DHAKA: India on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi to convey strong concerns over what it described as a deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh. New Delhi said the issue was particularly serious due to alleged threats targeting the Indian Mission in Dhaka.
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The diplomatic move came two days after Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka. Bangladeshi authorities had protested what they called “incendiary statements” made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil, warning that such remarks could undermine the country’s upcoming parliamentary election.
Security has been increased at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka by Bangladeshi security forces as the radical Islamists continue their long march against India. The responsibility for the security of Indian Mission and diplomats is solely of Muhammad Yunus. pic.twitter.com/zGvYaVcRiy
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) December 17, 2025
Bangladesh is preparing for national elections scheduled for February 12 under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The interim government assumed power after Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August last year following mass protests across the country.
Relations between the two neighbours have remained tense since Hasina’s departure to New Delhi. Dhaka has repeatedly sought her extradition, while last month a Bangladesh court sentenced her to death in absentia for her role in a violent crackdown on protesters.
On Wednesday afternoon, a group of demonstrators under the banner “July Oikya” began marching towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The protesters raised several demands, including the return of Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah was informed about activities of certain extremist elements. Indian officials said these groups had allegedly announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission, calling the developments a matter of serious concern.
There was no immediate response from Bangladeshi authorities to India’s summoning of the high commissioner. However, the developments highlighted growing strain in bilateral relations amid political uncertainty in Bangladesh.
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Earlier in the day, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka suspended its operations. A notice on its website said the centre would remain closed from 2pm local time due to the prevailing security situation in the city.