New Delhi: Bangladesh has formally expressed “serious concern” to India over recent incidents affecting the security of its diplomatic establishments, summoning Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma for the second time within ten days. Dhaka conveyed its objections during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Tuesday.
According to an official statement, Bangladeshi authorities highlighted disturbances that occurred outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the High Commissioner’s official residence in New Delhi on December 20, as well as vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Application Centre in Siliguri two days later. The ministry attributed these actions to “extremist groups” and described them as deeply troubling.
Bangladesh also pointed to a pattern of aggressive demonstrations outside several of its diplomatic facilities across India. The MoFA strongly criticized these actions, stating that intimidation or violence directed at diplomatic premises poses serious risks to personnel and violates the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and diplomatic norms.
Dhaka also urged the Indian government to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incidents, strengthen preventive measures, and ensure full protection for Bangladeshi diplomatic staff and properties. It emphasized that India has an obligation under international conventions to safeguard foreign missions and uphold their dignity.
The diplomatic démarche followed a large protest staged earlier in the day outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and affiliated groups demonstrated against the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man lynched in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Despite extensive security arrangements — including multiple barricades and the deployment of thousands of police and paramilitary personnel — protesters reportedly managed to breach barriers and shout anti-government slogans.
This latest summons marks at least the sixth time the Indian envoy has been called in during the tenure of Bangladesh’s current interim administration. Diplomatic engagement has gone both ways, as India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, M Riaz Hamidullah, on December 17 over concerns about security surrounding the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
Amid the growing strain, Bangladesh has indefinitely halted visa and consular services at its missions in New Delhi, Siliguri, and Agartala. An MoFA spokesperson confirmed that the suspension remains in place and said any decision to resume services would be communicated officially. The spokesperson also noted that India had assured Dhaka of steps to improve security.
Additionally, Bangladesh has sought India’s cooperation in preventing individuals accused of attacking Inquilab Moncho convener Sharif Osman Hadi from crossing into Indian territory. Dhaka requested that if such individuals enter India, they be detained and extradited. According to Bangladeshi officials, Indian authorities have provided assurances that appropriate action would be taken.