News Delhi/ Dhaka, Dec 17: India on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi to convey its strong concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh, particularly threats targeting the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
According to the MEA, Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah was informed about the activities of certain extremist elements who have allegedly announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. India described these developments as a matter of serious concern.
In a statement, the MEA said India “completely rejects the false narrative” being promoted by extremist groups in connection with recent incidents in Bangladesh. It also expressed regret that the interim government in Dhaka had neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding those incidents.
New Delhi stressed that it expects the interim government to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic Missions and Posts, in line with its international and diplomatic obligations. The MEA reiterated that India remains committed to peace and stability in Bangladesh and has consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections conducted in a peaceful environment.
The development comes just days after Bangladesh summoned India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka to protest what it termed “incendiary statements” made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil, warning that such remarks could affect the country’s upcoming parliamentary election.
Bangladesh is preparing for a national election on February 12 under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which assumed office after Hasina fled to India in August 2024 amid mass protests. Relations between the two neighbours have remained strained since then, with Dhaka repeatedly seeking Hasina’s extradition.
The latest diplomatic exchange takes place against the backdrop of heightened political tensions, with reports of protests, counterprotests and growing concerns over law and order in Bangladesh. There was no immediate response from Bangladeshi authorities to India’s move.
Despite the tensions, India underlined that it shares close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, rooted in the 1971 Liberation War, and strengthened through developmental cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
