India has summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, expressing strong concern over what it described as a worsening security situation in Bangladesh, particularly alleged threats directed at the Indian Mission in Dhaka.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, was informed of intelligence suggesting that certain extremist elements had announced plans to create a security threat around the Indian diplomatic mission.
New Delhi described the developments as a matter of “serious concern” and stressed the need for adequate protection of its personnel and facilities.
The diplomatic move comes just two days after Bangladesh summoned India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka to protest what it called “incendiary statements” made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil. Dhaka warned that such remarks could inflame tensions and undermine the country’s forthcoming parliamentary election.
Bangladesh is scheduled to hold national elections on February 12 under an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. The caretaker administration assumed office after Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August last year amid widespread anti-government protests.
Relations between the two neighbours have remained strained since Hasina’s departure, with Bangladesh repeatedly seeking her extradition from India.
In its statement, the MEA said India “completely rejects” what it termed a false narrative being pushed by extremist groups concerning recent incidents in Bangladesh. It also expressed disappointment that the interim government had neither carried out a thorough investigation into those incidents nor shared what it described as “meaningful evidence” with New Delhi.
There was no immediate response from Bangladeshi authorities to India’s summons.
India reiterated that it remains committed to peace and stability in Bangladesh and has consistently called for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections conducted in a calm and secure environment.
The latest exchange underscores rising diplomatic and political tensions in Bangladesh ahead of the polls, as the country grapples with protests, counter-protests, and mounting concerns over law and order.
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