Digital Team
MEA summons Bangladesh envoy after New Delhi raised serious concerns over security threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka following protests and inflammatory political remarks. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a formal diplomatic demarche, seeking assurances from Bangladesh on the safety of Indian diplomatic personnel and premises.
India on Thursday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over security threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and provocative statements by Bangladeshi political leaders, amid escalating protests outside Indian diplomatic premises.
MEA Summons Bangladesh Envoy Over High Commission Security
The MEA summons Bangladesh envoy after demonstrations outside the Indian High Commission in Dhaka raised concerns about the safety of Indian personnel and property. The demarche follows public remarks by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, which New Delhi described as inflammatory and unacceptable.
According to official sources, India conveyed its expectation that Bangladesh’s interim administration must ensure full protection of diplomatic missions, in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Visa Centres Shut as Protests Intensify
As tensions escalated, two Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Rajshahi and Khulna were closed temporarily on December 18, 2025, citing security concerns. An official notification stated that all affected applicants would be rescheduled.
India shuts visa centres in 2 cities of Bangladesh amid protests (Economic Times)
The closures underscore the deteriorating security environment amid street protests near Indian facilities in Bangladesh.
India Flags Inflammatory Political Rhetoric
The MEA summons Bangladesh envoy also addressed recent statements by Bangladeshi political figures referencing India’s Northeastern states, which Indian officials termed irresponsible and destabilising.
“We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair and inclusive elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” the MEA said, adding that any threats to India’s territorial integrity are unacceptable.
Regional Security Concerns in Focus
Indian officials expressed concern that political uncertainty in Bangladesh could create space for extremist elements, a risk New Delhi has repeatedly flagged in bilateral and regional forums.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in recent remarks, accused the interim leadership under Mohammad Yunus of allowing instability and warned of renewed extremist activity, claims that have not been independently verified but have added to regional unease.
Assam CM Warns Against Provocations
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said India would not tolerate rhetoric questioning its sovereignty, noting that the country is a nuclear power and one of the world’s largest economies.
While the Centre has refrained from escalating rhetoric, officials acknowledged that border vigilance and security preparedness have been heightened as a precautionary measure.
Diplomacy Amid Rising Tensions
Despite sharp exchanges, New Delhi reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with Dhaka. Officials stressed that India seeks stable, cooperative relations with Bangladesh and expects political actors there to avoid statements that could inflame public sentiment or undermine regional peace.
What This Means for India–Bangladesh Ties
The episode marks one of the sharpest diplomatic moments between the two neighbours in recent years. Analysts say sustained dialogue will be crucial to prevent further deterioration, especially as Bangladesh navigates a sensitive political transition.
The MEA summons Bangladesh envoy reflects India’s firm stance on the security of its diplomatic missions and its broader concerns about regional stability. As protests and political rhetoric intensify in Bangladesh, New Delhi is signalling that while it prefers diplomacy, it expects clear assurances and responsible conduct to safeguard bilateral ties.
FAQs
Q: Why did India summon the Bangladesh High Commissioner?
A: Over security concerns at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and inflammatory statements by Bangladeshi political leaders.
Q: Which visa centres were closed in Bangladesh?
A: Indian Visa Application Centres in Rajshahi and Khulna were temporarily shut due to security concerns.
Q: What did the MEA demand from Bangladesh?
A: Assurance of full security for Indian diplomatic missions as per international obligations.
Q: Are India–Bangladesh relations deteriorating?
A: Ties are under strain, but India has reiterated its commitment to dialogue and stability.
Q: Has India taken military action?
A: No. Officials say security preparedness has been reviewed as a precaution.
Also Read:
References:
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-summons-bangladesh-high-commissioner-over-security-concerns-in-dhaka
