New Delhi/Dhaka, Dec 22: Relations between India and Bangladesh have come under renewed strain following the suspension of visa services, diplomatic security concerns, and sharp exchanges between the two sides over political violence and minority rights.
India’s Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chattogram has suspended operations until further notice, citing the prevailing security situation at the Assistant High Commission of India in the port city. Last week, IVACs in Dhaka, Khulna and Rajshahi also remained partially closed for a day amid protests, officials said.
Tensions further escalated after Dhaka and New Delhi issued conflicting accounts over a protest that took place near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said a small group of 20–25 youths demonstrated briefly on Saturday without breaching security or creating any threat, adding that police dispersed the group within minutes.
Bangladesh, however, questioned how demonstrators were able to reach deep inside what it described as a highly secured diplomatic zone. At a press briefing in Dhaka, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain said the Bangladesh mission was located well within the diplomatic enclave and not near its periphery, raising concerns about the adequacy of security arrangements.
The Bangladeshi side also said that slogans raised during the protest went beyond condemning the killing of a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, and claimed that threats were made against the country’s high commissioner in New Delhi. Dhaka said such incidents created panic among diplomatic staff and their families.
India rejected what it called “misleading propaganda” surrounding the protest and maintained that it has always ensured the security of foreign missions. New Delhi reiterated its commitment to safeguarding all diplomatic premises in the country.
Strains between the two neighbours have been compounded by the killing of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi, with Bangladeshi authorities citing reports that the alleged shooter may have fled to India. Dhaka has accused fugitive Awami League leaders currently based in India of engaging in activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh ahead of elections.
India has firmly denied these allegations, stating that it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to Bangladesh. New Delhi has also expressed concern over what it described as a deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh and has called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents.
Bangladesh, in turn, rejected India’s assertions, saying internal law-and-order issues were being politicised and exaggerated by sections of the Indian media. Dhaka has repeatedly asked New Delhi to prevent former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from making statements it says are destabilising and has sought her extradition following a verdict by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.
India has not indicated any immediate move to extradite Hasina, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently stating that it was her decision whether to return to Bangladesh.
Both sides have summoned each other’s diplomats in recent days, underscoring the seriousness of the diplomatic standoff. While officials say communication channels remain open, the developments mark one of the most tense phases in India-Bangladesh relations in recent years.
