India Summons Bangladesh High Commissioner Over Threatening Remarks

New Delhi: India has formally summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah to the Ministry of External Affairs following threatening remarks made by a Bangladeshi political leader against India. The move comes amid concerns over the safety of India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka and rising tensions after provocative statements were made about India’s northeastern states.

Controversial Remarks by Bangladeshi Leader

According to reports, Hasnat Abdullah, leader of the National Citizen Party in Bangladesh, addressed a rally at Dhaka Central’s Shaheed Minar on Monday. In his speech, he threatened that Bangladesh could provide refuge to India-opposing separatist forces and assist in efforts to separate the “Seven Sisters” states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura—from India. His comments reportedly sparked chants and applause among sections of the audience.

Abdullah stated, “We will support separatist and anti-India forces, and then help in detaching the Seven Sisters from India. India must understand that Bangladesh will respond if you shelter those who do not respect our sovereignty, capability, voting rights, and human rights.”

India Raises Diplomatic Concerns

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Bangladeshi envoy to formally express concern over the safety of the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka and to register India’s objection to the provocative statements. While details of any direct threats were not disclosed, the remarks have been described as highly irresponsible and dangerous by Indian officials.

Indian Leadership Reacts

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned the statements, saying, “Bangladesh cannot even think of such actions. India is a large, nuclear-armed country with the world’s fourth-largest economy. These remarks are reckless and unacceptable.”

The MEA’s action underscores India’s stance on protecting its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its diplomats while sending a clear message that attempts to incite separatism will not be tolerated.

This incident has ignited a discussion on diplomatic protocols and regional security in South Asia, highlighting the importance of responsible rhetoric by political leaders in neighboring countries.

(Photo Credit: ANI / Representative Image)