The Bangladesh government has formally summoned India's High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, to express its "deep concern and grave worry" over a series of violent incidents targeting its diplomatic missions in India. The move underscores escalating diplomatic tensions following protests linked to political unrest in Bangladesh.
Diplomatic Summons and Security Demands
On Tuesday, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs called in High Commissioner Verma to lodge a strong protest. The ministry's statement highlighted two specific incidents: "regrettable incidents" outside the Bangladesh High Commission and its residential complex in New Delhi on December 20, 2025, and acts of vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri on December 22, 2025. Dhaka attributed these actions to "different extremist elements."
The Bangladesh government explicitly called upon New Delhi to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its diplomatic personnel and facilities across India. It demanded a thorough investigation into the events and urged India to fulfill its international obligations to protect diplomatic premises.
Tit-for-Tat Suspension of Services
This diplomatic demarche followed a direct action by Bangladesh. A day earlier, on Monday, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi temporarily suspended all visa and consular services, both in the national capital and in Agartala. This was a reciprocal measure after Indian visa operations in Chittagong, Bangladesh, were suspended indefinitely a day prior.
The chain of events finds its roots in the ongoing political fallout in Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key leader in the protests that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024. The unrest has spilled over, affecting bilateral diplomatic engagements.
Contradictory Narratives and Firm Condemnation
The two neighboring nations have presented conflicting accounts of the protests in New Delhi. While Indian authorities have denied any security breach at the Bangladesh High Commission, Dhaka has "entirely rejected" this version of events. In its official statement, the Bangladesh foreign ministry condemned what it termed "premeditated violence or intimidation" against its missions.
The statement emphasized that such acts endanger diplomatic staff and undermine the principles of mutual respect, peace, and tolerance. As of now, there has been no official public reaction from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to the summons or the allegations.
The situation presents a delicate challenge for bilateral ties, with Dhaka insisting on immediate and visible steps to secure its diplomatic missions and prevent any recurrence of violence.
