The diplomatic tension between India and Bangladesh is intensifying. On Tuesday, India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, Riyaz Hamidullah. This marks the second instance within a week where the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has registered a strong objection with the Bangladeshi envoy.
This action was taken just hours after Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, expressing “grave concern” over incidents outside Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that Bangladesh’s High Commissioner was informed about India’s serious concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in Dhaka and potential threats to the Indian High Commission there. The MEA noted that some “radical elements” openly discuss creating security challenges around the Indian mission.
Last week, India had summoned Hamidullah to express concerns about the safety of its missions in Dhaka. Meanwhile, Bangladesh expressed “serious concern” to Indian envoy Pranay Verma regarding protests outside its High Commission in Delhi and vandalism at the Siliguri visa center.
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India outrightly rejected the “false and misleading narratives” surrounding the recent events in Bangladesh, stating that the interim government has neither conducted a comprehensive investigation nor shared substantial evidence with India.
Escalating Violence and Extremism
The atmosphere in Bangladesh turned tense following the murder of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Protesters, without evidence, alleged an “Indian hand” in his killing, triggering widespread violence. However, this claim was dismissed by their own army. The situation further deteriorated when a Hindu laborer, Dipu Chandra Das, was allegedly lynched by a mob and subsequently his body was burned in Mymensingh, sparking outrage in India.
On Tuesday, thousands of VHP and Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in Delhi, leading to the deployment of 15,000 security personnel.
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False Narratives and Security Threats
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made it clear that India dismisses the “false narratives” perpetuated by extremist elements. India also expressed displeasure at Bangladesh’s interim government for not providing any credible investigation report on the incidents of violence so far.
Additionally, a threat made by a Bangladeshi leader to isolate India’s 'Seven Sisters' (northeastern states) further fueled tensions.
