Bangladesh Summons Indian High Commissioner Amid Rising Tensions

Dhaka: Rising violence in Bangladesh over the past week has strained ties between Dhaka and New Delhi. In a significant diplomatic move, the Bangladeshi government summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday morning.

During the meeting, Bangladeshi officials raised concerns about alleged violent demonstrations near Indian missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities. The Bangladeshi government emphasized its worry over the safety of its missions and staff in India. This action comes shortly after India reportedly reprimanded the Bangladeshi High Commissioner, prompting a swift response from Dhaka.

According to reports, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam personally met Pranay Verma to request enhanced security measures for Bangladeshi missions across India. This marks the second time in 10 days that Verma has been summoned to the Bangladeshi foreign ministry.

Repeated Summons During Yunus Interim Government

Since the formation of Mohammad Yunus’ interim government in August 2024, the Indian High Commissioner has been summoned multiple times over various incidents, including at least six occasions this year. On December 14, Verma was also called to the ministry. The Bangladeshi authorities reportedly asked India to return any individuals responsible for attacks crossing their borders.

Last week, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs had summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah to New Delhi. These reciprocal summons have escalated diplomatic tensions, adding to pre-existing strains over India’s shelter to political figures from Bangladesh.

Roots of the Recent Dispute

The immediate issue stems from demonstrations outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 17, where Indian groups protested violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka has strongly reacted to these demonstrations, though India maintains that its foreign missions are secure and the concerns are unfounded.

India reiterated its commitment to ensuring the security of foreign missions within its territory under the Vienna Convention and stated that it continues to monitor the evolving situation in Bangladesh closely.