India warns Dhaka on threats
India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the neighbouring country, particularly threats directed at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
The diplomatic démarche follows reports suggesting that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka had received a threat. Tensions were further aggravated by recent remarks made by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, who delivered a speech containing sharp anti-India rhetoric. Abdullah reportedly warned of isolating India’s northeastern States and suggested offering shelter to separatist groups if Bangladesh were destabilised.
Abdullah rose to prominence during last year’s student-led protests in Bangladesh, which eventually led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Since her departure from Dhaka, Hasina has been residing in New Delhi, a factor that has further strained relations between the two neighbouring nations.
Adding to the strain, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal last month convicted Sheikh Hasina on charges of “crimes against humanity” related to the protests and handed her a death sentence. Hasina has rejected the ruling, calling it politically driven.
India warns Dhaka on threats
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Bangladeshi envoy was formally informed about India’s unease regarding the worsening security environment. The MEA highlighted the activities of certain extremist groups that have reportedly announced plans to create instability and pose security risks around the Indian diplomatic mission in Dhaka.
In its statement, the MEA said India “completely rejects the false and misleading claims being propagated by extremist elements” in connection with recent developments in Bangladesh. It further expressed disappointment that the interim Government in Bangladesh has not carried out a comprehensive investigation or shared credible evidence related to the incidents with Indian authorities.
The developments come amid a sensitive phase in India-Bangladesh relations, with New Delhi closely monitoring security implications and urging Dhaka to take decisive steps against extremist elements to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions and regional peace.
India shuts visa centre
New Delhi: The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka suspended operations on Wednesday afternoon following fresh security threats against Indian missions in Bangladesh. Citing ongoing security developments, the centre halted services from 2.00pm, with December 17 appointments to be rescheduled. The closure comes amid rising diplomatic tensions, after India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner over concerns about threats to its diplomatic establishments. Protests by Islamist hardline groups opposing India’s decision to grant asylum to former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina have heightened fears of violence. Indian authorities condemned the threats and are closely monitoring security conditions.
