India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, to convey its security concerns over the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
The development came as protesters announced a plan to hold a “March to Indian High Commission” rally in the capital around 3pm.
However, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday.
The developments follow remarks made by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, who, at a public gathering on Monday, threatened to isolate India’s northeastern states, commonly referred to as the Seven Sisters, and to provide refuge to separatist groups from the region if Bangladesh’s interests were challenged.
Indian officials expressed apprehension over the safety of diplomatic premises and personnel in Dhaka, urging the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure adequate security in line with international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
A press release, issued by the Indian foreign ministry on Wednesday, read, “The [Bangladesh] High Commissioner was summoned and apprised of India’s strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.
“India completely rejects the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents.”
It further stated, “India has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives.
“We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations.”
Earlier, Bangladesh’s Victory Day was observed in New Delhi with a cultural programme hosted at the Bangladesh Embassy on 16 December.
Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of its people, particularly those of the younger generation, and highlighted the country’s demographic strength, noting that a significant portion of the population is youth.
