Bangladesh Protests Demonstrations Near Its Missions in India, Summons Indian Envoy Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

Dhaka—Diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh escalated on Tuesday after Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka and lodged a formal protest over demonstrations held outside Bangladeshi diplomatic premises in India, against the backdrop of communal unrest and cross-border accusations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma following protests near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, where supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered demanding greater protection for Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

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Bangladesh Raises Security Concerns

In an official statement issued after the meeting, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said it had urged India to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi diplomatic and consular staff and to conduct a “thorough investigation” into the protests near its missions.

“Bangladesh condemns acts of premeditated violence or intimidation targeting diplomatic establishments, which threaten the safety of diplomatic personnel and undermine mutual respect and the principles of peace and tolerance,” the statement said, following talks between Mr. Verma and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.

Bangladesh’s protest comes days after the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Bangladeshi Hindu citizen, who was beaten to death and set on fire by a mob in Mymensingh last Thursday after being accused of blasphemy. The killing sparked outrage within Bangladesh and concern among Hindu groups in India.

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Chain of Events Behind the Diplomatic Row

The current standoff follows a series of incidents triggered by reports in Bangladesh alleging that key suspects in the killing of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi had fled to India. These claims led to mob attacks and protests outside Indian diplomatic missions in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh.

In response to the deteriorating security environment, India temporarily suspended operations at all Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Bangladesh. According to official sources, most centres have since resumed work, though the IVAC in Chittagong remains closed pending improvement in local security conditions.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, halted visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi from Monday and suspended all visa and consular services at its Assistant High Commission in Agartala. Protests were also reported outside the Bangladesh visa processing centre in Siliguri, developments that drew close attention in Dhaka.

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India Responds, Seeks De-escalation

On the same day, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called in Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey New Delhi’s concerns. According to official sources, India objected to allegations linking it to the escape of suspects in Hadi’s killing, stating that such claims were made without evidence and had unnecessarily strained bilateral relations.

Indian officials described the engagement as a “cordial discussion” rather than a formal summons, signalling an attempt to de-escalate tensions.