The Government of Bangladesh has formally summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to lodge a grave protest over a series of violent incidents targeting Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities in India. The move comes as bilateral relations face a severe strain following a cycle of unrest, mob violence, and diplomatic tit-for-tat between the two neighbors.
STORY | Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over security concerns for missions
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma amid concerns over the security of Bangladeshi missions in India.
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Grave Concern Over Mission Security
In a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, Bangladesh conveyed its “grave concern” regarding “regrettable incidents” involving the security of its personnel. Key grievances cited include:
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New Delhi Incident (Dec 20): Alleged “premeditated” acts of intimidation and protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the Ambassador’s residence.
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Siliguri Vandalism (Dec 22): Violent attacks on the Bangladesh Visa Centre by “extremist elements,” resulting in property damage and the temporary suspension of services.
The Ministry condemned these acts as violations of international diplomatic obligations, specifically the Vienna Convention, stating they “undermine the principles of mutual respect and values of peace.”
Context of Domestic Unrest
The diplomatic friction is inextricably linked to a volatile domestic situation in Bangladesh. Tensions flared following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 uprising and a candidate for the upcoming February parliamentary elections. Hadi died in Singapore last week after being shot in the head during an election campaign launch in Dhaka.
Protesters in Bangladesh have alleged that the killing was carried out “at the behest of India,” leading to:
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Widespread arson and vandalism targeting major media outlets and cultural institutions.
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Protests near the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
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The suspension of operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chattogram due to security concerns.
Counter-Protests in India
Simultaneously, India has witnessed large-scale demonstrations against Bangladesh. Hundreds of protesters, led by Hindu groups, clashed with police in New Delhi on Tuesday. The unrest in India was triggered by the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. Das was brutally killed by a mob over allegations of blasphemy last week.
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Demonstrators in India have:
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Burnt pictures of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus.
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Called for a nationwide “Boycott Bangladesh” campaign.
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Demanded immediate justice for minorities in Bangladesh.
Diplomatic Fallout
In response to the security threats, Bangladesh has halted all consular and visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi and its center in Siliguri. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the protests but described some media reports in Bangladesh as “misleading propaganda,” maintaining that security forces acted swiftly to disperse demonstrators.
Bangladesh has called for a thorough investigation by Indian authorities and immediate steps to safeguard the dignity and security of its diplomatic staff.
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