India summons Bangladesh envoy over security concerns around Indian mission in Dhaka

New Delhi, Dec 17: The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, and conveyed New Delhi’s “strong concerns” over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh, particularly in the context of threats to Indian diplomatic establishments.

In a statement, the MEA said the High Commissioner was apprised of India’s serious concern over “the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.”

“India completely rejects the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh,” the MEA said, adding that it was “unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents.”

Reiterating New Delhi’s long-standing ties with Dhaka, the MEA underlined that India shares “close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives.”

The statement said India was firmly in favour of “peace and stability in Bangladesh” and has consistently called for “free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.”

The MEA said it expects the interim government in Bangladesh “to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations.”

The summoning of the Bangladesh envoy comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following recent anti-India remarks by Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) leader, Hasnat Abdullah.

Media reported that in a public speech earlier this week, Abdullah warned of isolating India’s northeastern “Seven Sisters” states and offering shelter to separatist groups if Bangladesh were to face destabilisation.

Media reports that he is known for his outspoken and confrontational stance against India.

The development follows an earlier diplomatic exchange, when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma was summoned by the interim government in Dhaka two days ago over what it described as “provocative” statements made by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains in India-Bangladesh relations at a sensitive political juncture in Dhaka, even as New Delhi has publicly reiterated its support for stability, democratic processes and the safety of diplomatic missions in the neighbouring country.