India summons Bangladesh envoy over security concerns in Dhaka

DHAKA (Reuters): India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi to convey its strong concerns on Wednesday over what it described as a deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh, particularly threats targeting the Indian Mission in Dhaka.

The move came two days after Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka to protest over what it termed “incendiary statements” made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil, warning that such remarks could undermine the country’s upcoming parliamentary election.

Bangladesh is preparing for a national election on February 12 under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The interim government took office after Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August last year amid mass protests.

FORMER PM FLED TO INDIA LAST YEAR

Ties between the neighbours have become frosty since Hasina fled to Delhi and Dhaka has repeatedly asked for her extradition. Last month a Bangladesh court sentenced her to death in absentia for her role in a deadly crackdown on the protests.

A group of protesters, under the banner of “July Oikya”, began a march towards the Indian High Commission on Wednesday afternoon, pressing several demands, including the return of Hasina.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah was informed about activities by certain extremist elements who have allegedly announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. New Delhi said these developments were a matter of serious concern.

There was no immediate comment from the Bangladesh authorities on India’s move.

PROTESTS AND COUNTER PROTESTS AHEAD OF ELECTION

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka suspended its operations from the afternoon. A notice on its website said IVAC in Dhaka would remain closed from 2 p.m. (0800 GMT) due to the prevailing security situation.

It added that visa applicants scheduled for submission on December 17 would have their appointments rescheduled, without providing a timeline for the resumption of normal services.

The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid heightened political tensions in Bangladesh ahead of the election, with protests, counter protests and growing concerns over law and order reported in recent weeks.