India on Wednesday summoned Bangladeshi High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah to express serious security concerns for the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka after a threat was received, highlighting heightened diplomatic unrest amid recent inflammatory rhetoric by the Bangladeshi political leader.
Why did India summon Bangladesh High Commissioner?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has invited the High Commissioner to formally raise New Delhi’s concerns regarding the security threat to its diplomatic mission in Dhaka. The demarche reflects India’s expectation that the host authorities will ensure the security of diplomatic premises in accordance with international obligations.
How do recent political remarks relate to the subpoena?
The summons came in the backdrop of scathing anti-India comments by Hasnat Abdullah, leader of Bangladesh’s National Civic Party (NCP). In a public speech, Abdullah threatened to isolate India’s northeastern region – often referred to as the Seven Sisters – and suggested providing sanctuary to separatist groups if Bangladesh were to be destabilized. Abdullah is known for his strong anti-India stance and his remarks were seen as provocative and destabilizing in Delhi.
What did the Bangladesh High Commissioner say about bilateral ties?
Earlier, during Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations at the Bangladesh Embassy in New Delhi, High Commissioner Hamidullah struck a conciliatory note and emphasized the importance of bilateral relations. He highlighted the demographic dividend of Bangladesh and the common interests underlying the ties with India.
He said: “The whole of Bangladesh and we all are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our people, especially the young generation. We have a very young demographic… We believe that our relationship with India is in our mutual interest. We are interdependent… We are fully focused on prosperity, peace and security in the region.”
How did India commemorate Victory Day in Bangladesh?
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar greeted Bangladesh on the occasion. In a post on X, he said: “Greetings to Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, the Interim Government and the people of Bangladesh on Bijoy Dibosh.”
The commemorations also included the mutual participation of veterans and serving officers. The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh said that on the 54th anniversary of the Liberation War, eight brave Muktijoddhas and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces arrived in India on 14 December 2025 to participate in Vijay Diwas events in Kolkata. Likewise, eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers arrived in Dhaka on 15 December 2025 to participate in the Victory Day celebrations.
What does this mean for India-Bangladesh relations?
While security concerns and political rhetoric have brought friction, both sides have publicly reiterated the value of cooperation, stability and regional security. Diplomatic engagement is likely to continue in the coming days as New Delhi seeks assurances over mission security and Dhaka balances domestic politics with managing a key bilateral partnership.
“We will hide the separatist and anti-India forces and then separate the seven sisters from India,” Abdullah said, drawing loud cheers from a section of the audience. “I want to make it clear to India that if you give shelter to forces that do not respect Bangladesh’s sovereignty, potential, electoral rights and human rights, Bangladesh will respond.”
Hasnat also noted that even after 54 years of independence, Bangladesh continues to face attempts by “vultures” who are trying to gain control of the country, without directly mentioning New Delhi.
