Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Reaz Hamidullah, returned to Dhaka overnight following an “urgent call” from the country’s foreign ministry. The development came amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours and escalating unrest in Bangladesh.
Violence in Bangladesh
Tensions between Delhi and Dhaka have been noticeable since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year. Hasina, who sought refuge in India amid widespread protests and civil unrest in Bangladesh, was replaced by an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Following her removal, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite Hasina, after her conviction by the courts.
While India acknowledged the extradition request, New Delhi spoke about its concern over the situation in Bangladesh and expressed a desire to restore peace.
M Reaz Hamidullah Called On Urgent Basis
Prothom Alo, quoting an unnamed source from Bangladesh’s foreign office, reported, “In view of the recent situation in bilateral ties with India, Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi M Reaz Hamidullah was called to Dhaka on an urgent basis. He has been summoned for discussions on the recent situation of bilateral relations.”
India, in turn, recently summoned Hamidullah to convey strong concerns over extremist elements reportedly planning to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka. In response, Bangladesh suspended visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi and its mission in Tripura. Dhaka also summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma over the incidents outside the Bangladesh High Commission in India.
Bangladesh Says It Is Working On Improving Ties With India
Despite these tensions, both sides have shown tentative signs of reconciliation. Last week, Bangladesh interim government finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted efforts by the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to improve ties with India.
“The chief adviser is working to improve diplomatic relations with India, and he himself has also been speaking to various stakeholders on the issue,” Ahmed told reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase.
He added, “We do not want any bitterness between the two nations. If anyone from outside is trying to instigate problems, that is not in the interest of either country.”
Recent Escalation: Sharif Osman Hadi’s Killing
Relations further deteriorated following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a young leader of the Inqilab Moncho, during an election campaign. Several Bangladeshi officials alleged that the perpetrators had fled to India, a claim firmly denied by New Delhi.
Additionally, remarks by certain Bangladeshi leaders concerning India’s northeastern region triggered strong reactions in the Indian capital, compounding diplomatic strains.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
