The Union government on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, over concerns related to the security of the Indian mission in Dhaka, following protests outside the premises over the past few days.
The meeting took place at the Ministry of External Affairs in South Block. The high commissioner left the ministry later on Wednesday afternoon after the discussions.
People familiar with the matter said the summons was linked to demonstrations outside the Indian mission in Dhaka, which have raised security concerns. Officials indicated that the issue was taken up seriously in view of diplomatic norms and the safety of Indian personnel and property abroad.
Photographs released by ANI showed the Bangladesh High Commissioner leaving the South Block premises after the meeting.
Backdrop of Anti-India Rhetoric
The development comes amid heightened tensions following remarks by National Citizens Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, who had delivered a public speech threatening to isolate India’s northeastern states and offer refuge to separatist groups if Bangladesh were destabilised. Abdullah is known for his strong anti-India stance.
Officials noted that the timing of the remarks, combined with the protests outside the Indian mission, prompted diplomatic engagement at the highest level.
The diplomatic exchange took place a day after Bangladesh Liberation Day, also known as Vijay Diwas, which marks India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to Bangladesh’s independence.
On the occasion, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had extended greetings to Bangladesh. In a post on X, he said, “Greetings to Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, the Interim Government and the people of Bangladesh on Bijoy Dibosh.”
High Commissioner’s Remarks on India Ties
On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s Victory Day was celebrated with a cultural programme at the Bangladesh Embassy in Delhi. Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Hamidullah emphasised Bangladesh’s focus on fulfilling the aspirations of its people, particularly the younger generation.
He underlined the importance of bilateral ties, saying, “The whole of Bangladesh, and all of us, are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our people, especially the younger generation. We have a very young demography.”
Highlighting the shared interests of both countries, Hamidullah added, “We believe our relationship with India is in our shared interest. We have mutual interdependence… We are fully focused on prosperity, peace, and security in the region,” ANI quoted him as saying.
