India Summons Bangladesh Envoy Over Dhaka Mission Security Concerns

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah to convey India’s strong concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh. India flagged threats posed by extremist elements targeting the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and sought immediate steps to ensure the safety of its mission and diplomats. New Delhi also categorically rejected allegations that it was promoting violence in the neighbouring country.

Following threats of a gherao by a radical Islamist group, heavy security was deployed around the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday. The mission was forced to suspend visa services from 2 pm. In the evening, a large mob marched towards the Indian mission, breached the first line of barricades and was stopped by Dhaka Police. Protesters reportedly made anti-India speeches before dispersing.

In an official statement, the MEA said the Bangladesh High Commissioner was apprised of India’s serious concerns over the worsening security environment. “His attention was drawn to the activities of extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. India completely rejects the false narrative being created by such elements regarding recent events in Bangladesh,” the statement said.

The MEA also expressed disappointment that the interim government in Bangladesh had neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared credible evidence with India regarding the incidents in question.

Reiterating India’s position, the MEA said New Delhi shares close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, rooted in the Liberation War and strengthened through development cooperation and people-to-people ties. “India supports peace and stability in Bangladesh and has consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in a peaceful environment. We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions and personnel in line with its international obligations,” the statement added.

The summoning of the Bangladesh envoy came three days after Dhaka called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to convey its concerns over what it described as “incendiary” statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil. The Bangladesh government had also sought the arrest and extradition of suspects linked to an alleged attempt on the life of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inqilab Monch, if they entered India.

Responding to those allegations earlier, the MEA had said India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of Bangladesh. “India categorically rejects the assertions made by the interim Government of Bangladesh,” the MEA said.