Amid Rising Tensions, Bangladesh Summons Its High Commissioner from India: What Is Mohammed Yunus Aiming For?

Dhaka: In the backdrop of increasingly strained relations with India, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urgently summoned its High Commissioner from New Delhi. M. Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, arrived in Dhaka late Monday night. According to diplomatic sources cited by the Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo, he was called back to discuss the current status of bilateral relations.

Context of Diplomatic Strain
The move comes after the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government last August, which led to deteriorating ties between New Delhi and Dhaka under the interim administration of Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus. Tensions further escalated this month following the assassination of Inquilab Manch leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which triggered widespread unrest across Bangladesh. Violent protests, including attacks on Hindu communities and the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram, prompted India to suspend visa services at its mission and express concerns over the safety of its staff.

Strategic Diplomatic Move
Summoning High Commissioner Hamidullah is seen as a critical diplomatic step for Bangladesh to assess the situation and chart a way forward. Sources indicate that the discussions will focus on addressing bilateral tensions and planning strategies to stabilize the India-Bangladesh relationship.

Signals of Reconciliation
Despite the heightened tensions, Dhaka has also indicated a willingness to improve ties with New Delhi. Last week, Salehuddin Ahmed, a financial advisor to the interim government, confirmed that Mohammed Yunus is actively working to mend relations with India. In a positive step, the Bangladeshi government approved a proposal to purchase 50,000 tons of rice from India, which Ahmed described as “a move in the direction of strengthening bilateral relations.”

Conclusion
With the High Commissioner back in Dhaka and talks underway, Bangladesh appears to be balancing internal unrest with strategic diplomacy, signaling that while tensions persist, efforts to stabilize relations with India remain a priority.