Highlights:
-
India summons Bangladesh envoy over security concerns near its mission
-
Protests in Dhaka attempted to march toward the Indian High Commission
-
Demonstrators demanded the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina
-
Political tensions rise ahead of Bangladesh’s February elections
- Advertisement - -
India-Bangladesh relations strained since Hasina went into exile
India has formally protested what it described as serious security lapses around its diplomatic mission in Bangladesh after demonstrators attempted to march toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The move reflects rising political tensions between India and Bangladesh ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for February.
On Wednesday, India summoned Bangladesh’s top diplomat in New Delhi to convey its concerns over the safety of Indian diplomatic facilities. The Indian foreign ministry said it raised the issue with Bangladeshi envoy Riaz Hamidullah following protests that sought to approach the High Commission despite security restrictions.
India said the demonstrations highlighted a deteriorating security environment around its mission in Dhaka, which it views as a violation of international diplomatic norms and obligations.
India Raises Diplomatic Concerns Over Mission Security
In an official statement, India’s foreign ministry said it had expressed concern over the activities of what it described as “extremist elements” operating near Indian diplomatic premises in Bangladesh. The ministry emphasized that ensuring the safety of foreign missions is the responsibility of the host country.
“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Indian missions and posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the ministry said.
India’s protest follows a rally organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar earlier this month. The rally was part of wider demonstrations linked to political unrest in Bangladesh and demands related to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to Indian officials, Bangladeshi police blocked protesters from reaching the Indian High Commission, preventing a direct confrontation. However, India said the attempt to march toward its mission itself raised serious security concerns.
India and Bangladesh Amid Protests Over Sheikh Hasina
The protests in Dhaka centered on calls for the return of Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since she was removed from power last year. Hasina fled Bangladesh in August 2024 after weeks of student-led demonstrations and political violence.
Since her departure, relations between India and Bangladesh have become increasingly strained. Bangladesh’s interim authorities have repeatedly called for Hasina’s extradition, accusing her of responsibility for a deadly crackdown on protesters during her final months in office. Hasina has denied the allegations.
India has rejected Bangladesh’s accusations and has said it does not accept what it termed a “false narrative” surrounding the unrest. Indian officials have also stated that the interim government in Dhaka has not provided sufficient evidence to support its claims.
India-Bangladesh Tensions Ahead of Elections
Bangladesh is set to hold national elections on February 12 under an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus assumed office after Hasina left the country, with the interim administration tasked with overseeing the transition and organizing the vote.
Political tensions in Bangladesh have intensified in recent weeks, with multiple protests reported across the country. The situation has placed India in a sensitive position, given its historical ties with Bangladesh and Hasina’s presence on Indian soil.
Earlier this week, Bangladesh summoned India’s envoy in Dhaka to protest what it described as “incendiary statements” allegedly made by Hasina while in India. Dhaka accused her of attempting to influence the upcoming elections, an allegation that has further complicated relations between the two neighbors.
Bangladesh has not publicly responded to India’s latest protest over security concerns at its mission.
India Takes Precautionary Measures
As tensions escalated, India temporarily closed its visa application center in Dhaka earlier this week. Indian authorities cited security and operational concerns as the reason for the move, signaling New Delhi’s assessment that the situation on the ground remains unstable.
India has maintained that the safety of its diplomats and facilities is non-negotiable and closely linked to international diplomatic conventions. Officials indicated that India would continue to monitor developments in Bangladesh closely as the election date approaches.
India-Bangladesh Relations Under Strain
India and Bangladesh have traditionally shared close political, economic, and security ties. However, the events following Hasina’s exile have introduced new strains into the relationship. Disagreements over her status, public statements, and election-related tensions have added to the diplomatic friction.
India has emphasized that it seeks stability in Bangladesh and peaceful elections but has also made clear that it expects its diplomatic missions to be protected at all times.
With protests continuing in Bangladesh and political rhetoric intensifying ahead of February, India’s protest over security lapses underscores growing concerns in New Delhi about the trajectory of events in its eastern neighbor and the broader impact on bilateral relations.
