The India Bangladesh diplomatic tensions escalated on Tuesday as New Delhi and Dhaka summoned each other’s envoys in a tit-for-tat move, reflecting growing strain in bilateral relations amid protests, violence, and political unrest on both sides of the border.
According to officials, Bangladesh summoned India’s High Commissioner Pranay Verma to Dhaka on Tuesday morning. The Bangladesh foreign ministry conveyed what it described as “deep concern” over alleged “violent protests” outside Bangladeshi missions in India. Dhaka claimed these protests followed the lynching of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh last week.
Dhaka Flags Protests Outside Its Missions
In an official statement, Bangladesh said it had raised concerns over incidents outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi on December 20. It also referred to vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri on December 22, blaming what it called “extremist elements”.
These developments come against the backdrop of rising unrest in Bangladesh after the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which has triggered protests across several regions.
India Responds by Calling Bangladesh Envoy
Later in the day, India responded by summoning Bangladesh’s envoy Riaz Hamidullah to South Block in New Delhi. While the Ministry of External Affairs did not issue a formal statement, sources confirmed that concerns were conveyed regarding recent developments affecting Indian interests and public sentiment.
Visa Services Hit Amid Rising Strain
The India Bangladesh diplomatic tensions have also disrupted people-to-people exchanges. A day earlier, the Bangladesh High Commission temporarily suspended visa and consular services in New Delhi and Agartala, citing “unavoidable circumstances”. Earlier, India had suspended visa operations in Chittagong as unrest spread following Hadi’s killing.
As protests, killings, and diplomatic exchanges continue, the India Bangladesh diplomatic tensions underscore the fragile moment in ties between the two neighbours, with both sides closely watching how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
