Rising diplomatic tensions force urgent recall of Bangladesh’s top envoy
Relations between India and its neighbor, Bangladesh, have faced a significant setback. In a sudden move, the interim government in Dhaka has summoned its High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, back to the capital for urgent consultations. This development comes as diplomatic ties remain strained over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Hamidullah returned to Dhaka late Monday night following a direct order from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The recall is primarily aimed at reviewing the deteriorating situation between the two nations. Over the past few weeks, reports of violence against Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists have caused significant alarm in New Delhi.
Two recent incidents of mob lynching have specifically sparked international outrage. In Mymensingh, a 25-year-old youth named Dipu Chandra Das was brutally beaten, hanged, and set on fire following false allegations. Another victim, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal, was killed by a mob in the Kalimohar Union. These tragedies are part of a larger pattern of unrest that followed the political changes in July 2024.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has voiced "grave concern" over these developments. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities—including arson, killings, and land grabbing—have been recorded during the current interim government’s tenure. India firmly rejected claims that these reports are media exaggerations, labeling the situation as one of "sustained hostility."
Earlier this month, the MEA had already summoned Hamidullah to express India’s dissatisfaction with the security environment. New Delhi is now calling for a thorough investigation and urging Dhaka to protect Indian diplomatic missions. As the envoy returns home, the future of the bilateral partnership remains uncertain, with India demanding concrete action against those targeting minority communities.
