The diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India witnessed heightened tensions as Bangladesh summoned its Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, Shikder Ashrafur Rahman, for urgent consultations. This critical move follows a surge of protests over the alleged attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The situation has further escalated with the suspension of all services at the Bangladeshi High Commission in Agartala, Tripura.
Urgent Consultations Amid Growing Protests in Kolkata
The Acting Deputy High Commissioner, Shikder Ashrafur Rahman, who also serves as the Minister of Political Affairs, has returned to Dhaka for emergency discussions. The decision comes in response to protests staged outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in Kolkata, spearheaded by political parties and religious groups condemning the perceived atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
A senior Bangladeshi official, speaking anonymously, stated, “Rahman has been summoned to Dhaka to provide insights on the ongoing situation. He will also join the delegation during the upcoming Foreign Secretary talks between the two nations, slated for next week.”
Suspension of Services at Agartala High Commission
The Bangladesh High Commission in Agartala has taken the extraordinary step of suspending all visa and consular services, citing security concerns. This decision followed an incident of vandalism on the High Commission’s premises during protests against the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka.
The suspension underscores the growing tension in diplomatic corridors. The Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh described the vandalism as a severe breach of diplomatic protocol, urging the Indian government to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi missions across the country.
Political Context: Rising Tensions Between Dhaka and New Delhi
The strained relations come on the heels of political unrest in Bangladesh. The collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5 and the subsequent rise of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration have added complexity to the bilateral dynamic. Sheikh Hasina’s unexpected flight from the country has left a power vacuum that has impacted both domestic and international stability.
The protests against attacks on Hindu minorities have further strained the relationship. Demonstrations in Kolkata, marked by fiery rhetoric and demands for justice, have placed additional pressure on both governments to address the issue decisively.
Indian Response and Diplomatic Engagement
In a parallel development, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka to express concerns over the vandalism at its Agartala mission. This diplomatic move highlights the urgency with which Bangladesh views the matter.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Dhaka next week for high-level talks. This meeting will be the first since the interim government in Bangladesh assumed power. It is expected to address a range of issues, including the protection of minorities, security of diplomatic missions, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
