India has summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, M. Riaz Hamidullah, to convey its deep concern over what it described as a deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh. The meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), according to diplomatic sources and Indian media reports.
Hamidullah was called in by Joint Secretary (BM) B. Shyam, just three days after Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma in Dhaka, marking a rare exchange of diplomatic summons between the two neighbours within a short span of time.
The MEA said the move followed recent threats against the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and what it termed provocative and anti-India statements made by certain Bangladeshi political figures. India also submitted a formal diplomatic protest note during the meeting.
According to Indian officials, concerns were raised about activities of extremist groups that have allegedly announced plans to create a security crisis around the Indian mission in Dhaka. India rejected what it described as “false narratives” being spread by such groups in connection with recent incidents in Bangladesh.
In a statement, the MEA expressed disappointment that Bangladesh’s interim government has neither conducted a full investigation into these incidents nor shared credible evidence with India. It reiterated that India expects the host government to ensure the safety and security of all foreign missions in Bangladesh as part of its diplomatic obligations.
The summons comes amid heightened tension following remarks by a leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP), who reportedly threatened to provide shelter to anti-Delhi forces and assist in separating India’s northeastern “Seven Sisters” states—comments India has described as baseless and inflammatory.
India reaffirmed its longstanding ties with the people of Bangladesh, rooted in the 1971 Liberation War, and reiterated its support for peace, stability, and the conduct of free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, citing the “ongoing security situation,” the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka announced the temporary closure of its centre at Jamuna Future Park from Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier this week, Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, expressing concern over alleged provocative statements by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India and calling for cooperation in ensuring justice and safeguarding democratic processes.
Despite the tensions, both sides reiterated their expectation of peaceful elections in Bangladesh and signalled willingness to cooperate on maintaining stability and diplomatic engagement.
