Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh faced a fresh test on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, as both nations summoned each other's envoys in a reciprocal move. This diplomatic action was triggered by escalating tensions stemming from violent protests in India and political unrest in Bangladesh.
Diplomatic Tit-for-Tat Unfolds
The day began with Dhaka summoning Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma. The Bangladesh foreign ministry conveyed its "deep concern" over what it described as "violent protests" by "extremist elements" outside its diplomatic missions in India. These protests were related to the mob lynching of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh's Baluka area last week, on December 18.
In a tit-for-tat response later in the day, India called in Bangladesh's envoy to New Delhi, Riaz Hamidullah, to South Block. While India's Ministry of External Affairs did not issue an official statement, diplomatic sources confirmed the move, indicating Delhi's own set of concerns regarding the situation.
Protests and Security Concerns Escalate
The immediate catalyst for Dhaka's summons were incidents outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its visa centre in Siliguri. On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters associated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal breached police barricades near the High Commission in Chanakyapuri. They were demonstrating against the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu youth who was lynched and his body set on fire over alleged blaspamy.
Bangladesh, in its statement, rejected India's assertion that there was no security breach at its mission. It called upon India to conduct a "thorough investigation" and to uphold its international obligations to protect diplomatic premises and personnel.
Visa Operations Suspended Amid Unrest
The diplomatic row was preceded by the suspension of visa services by both sides, highlighting the practical impact of the tensions. On Monday, the Bangladesh High Commission temporarily suspended visa and consular services in New Delhi and Agartala, citing "unavoidable circumstances."
This move came a day after India suspended its visa operations in Chittagong. The suspension in Bangladesh was linked to widespread unrest following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi was shot by masked attackers in Dhaka and died of his injuries last Thursday while undergoing treatment in Singapore.
Professor C R Abrar, Bangladesh's Education Adviser, visited Das's family in Mymensingh on Tuesday to convey the interim government's sympathy. He assured the family that the heinous crime would be fully investigated and justice delivered. Bangladeshi authorities have so far arrested twelve persons in connection with the case.
These events represent the latest in a series of diplomatic friction points between the two neighbours. Issues concerning minority safety have particularly strained ties, leading to multiple summoning of envoys in the past two weeks alone. The situation remains fluid, with both governments navigating domestic pressures while managing a crucial bilateral relationship.
