India Summons Bangladesh Envoy Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions and Violence
New Delhi, February 8, 2025 – India has summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner, Md Nural Islam, to express serious concerns over recent statements from Bangladeshi authorities that New Delhi claims are harming bilateral relations. The diplomatic escalation follows a wave of violent attacks on properties linked to Awami League leaders in Bangladesh.
Diplomatic Strain Over Political Unrest
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called Nural Islam to South Block at 5:00 PM on Friday, citing “regular statements made by Bangladesh authorities that portray India negatively.” The move comes a day after Bangladesh summoned India’s Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka to protest remarks made by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in self-exile in India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that Hasina’s statements were made in a personal capacity and should not be linked to the Indian government.
“Conflating this with the Indian government’s position will not help improve relations,” he said, adding that India remains committed to a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership with Bangladesh.
Rising Violence in Bangladesh
Tensions have escalated amid a surge of violence targeting properties associated with Awami League leaders. The unrest began after Sheikh Hasina made online speeches from India, accusing Nobel laureate and interim government head Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating a power grab and conspiring against her family.
Shortly after her remarks, a mob in Dhaka demolished the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding father and Hasina’s father. This sparked a series of attacks on other properties across the country, including:
- Awami League Presidium member Sheikh Selim’s residence in Banani, which was set on fire.
- Obaidul Quader’s house in Noakhali, which was ransacked and burned.
- Former Deputy Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam’s home in Rajshahi, which was set ablaze by nearly 100 protesters.
- Awami League leader Abu Sayeed’s house in Pabna, which was attacked by mobs.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, blamed Hasina’s speeches for inciting violence.
“Sheikh Hasina, facing genocide charges and an arrest warrant from the International Crimes Tribunal, is inciting violence from India. This inaction from New Delhi is destabilizing Bangladesh,” said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad.
India’s Response on Security and Bilateral Relations
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the destruction of Mujibur Rahman’s residence as “unfortunate” and reminded Bangladesh of its obligation to protect diplomatic premises under international law.
When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States, Misri hinted that regional stability, including the crisis in Bangladesh, could be discussed during high-level meetings.
India-Bangladesh Relations at a Crossroads
This latest diplomatic row deepens tensions between the two neighbors, with New Delhi rejecting accusations of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. While India has reaffirmed its commitment to stable ties, the ongoing violence and political instability in Bangladesh threaten to worsen the crisis.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can ease tensions or if the situation will further strain the historically complex India-Bangladesh relationship.
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