By Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy Amid Protests, Visa Services Suspended as Tensions Rise
Bangladesh on Tuesday summoned India’s top diplomat after fresh protests erupted outside its High Commission in New Delhi over the lynching of a Hindu garment worker in Dhaka, an incident that has further strained already fragile bilateral ties.
The worker was allegedly accused of blasphemy and lynched on December 18, sparking outrage in India as anti-India sentiment grows in the neighbouring, Muslim-majority country. Bangladeshi authorities have arrested seven suspects in connection with the killing.
Protests Outside Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi
On Tuesday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi, waving saffron flags and holding banners that read “Stop Killing Hindus in Bangladesh.” The protest was led by members of the right-wing Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
“Hindus are warning Bangladesh that it is taking the wrong approach,” said Puneet Gautam, a VHP member who participated in the demonstration.
Clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel when the crowd attempted to push past barricades set up around 300 metres from the High Commission building.
Dhaka Raises Concerns Over Demonstrations
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to convey what it described as “grave concern” over protests outside Bangladeshi visa centres in India.
In a statement, the ministry referred to “regrettable incidents,” including alleged vandalism outside visa offices in New Delhi and Siliguri last week. India, however, rejected claims of vandalism, calling them “misleading propaganda.”
Relations Deteriorate After Political Upheaval
India–Bangladesh relations have been under strain since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted during a pro-democracy uprising last year and subsequently sought refuge in India.
New Delhi has said it is still reviewing Dhaka’s request to extradite Hasina, who was sentenced to death in absentia in Bangladesh for allegedly orchestrating a violent crackdown on protesters.
Bangladesh has remained politically volatile since Hasina’s removal, with rising violence ahead of national elections scheduled for next year.
Violence, Arson, and Diplomatic Fallout
This month, Sharif Osman Hadi, a parliamentary hopeful and outspoken critic of India, was shot by masked assailants in Dhaka. Unconfirmed reports suggest the attackers may have fled to India.
The incident triggered protests in the Bangladeshi capital, during which arsonists set fire to several buildings, including two prominent newspapers perceived as pro-India and a major cultural institution.
In the port city of Chattogram, mobs hurled stones at the Indian High Commission, prompting India to suspend visa services there. Dhaka followed suit on Monday, temporarily suspending visa services in New Delhi.
Russia Urges Dialogue
Russia has called on both countries to de-escalate tensions and restore diplomatic engagement.
“The sooner this happens, the better,” Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander G. Khozin was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune.
