Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner on Tuesday as fresh protests erupted outside its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, marking a significant escalation in bilateral tensions. The demonstration, organized by right-wing groups, was in response to the recent lynching of a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh. Dhaka expressed "grave concern" over the protests, which it described as acts of intimidation against its diplomatic establishments, and rejected India's characterization of the events as "misleading propaganda".
The protests in Delhi saw hundreds of demonstrators, affiliated with groups like the Vishva Hindu Parishad, clash with security personnel as they attempted to breach barricades near the High Commission. Bangladesh's foreign ministry issued a sharply worded statement condemning what it termed "premeditated violence or intimidation" and held India responsible for the safety of its missions under international law. In a tit-for-tat diplomatic move, India subsequently summoned the Bangladeshi envoy to convey its own concerns, highlighting the rapidly deteriorating communication between the neighbors.
The current crisis is rooted in deeper political fissures that have widened since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who fled to India following a pro-democracy uprising and was later sentenced to death in absentia, remains a central point of contention, with Dhaka's extradition requests still under consideration in New Delhi. Relations were further strained by the assassination of prominent India critic and parliamentary hopeful Sharif Osman Hadi earlier this month. Unconfirmed reports suggesting his attackers may have fled to India have fueled public anger in Bangladesh, leading to violent protests where buildings deemed pro-India were torched and the Indian High Commission in Chattogram was targeted.
The diplomatic standoff has had immediate practical consequences, with Bangladesh suspending all visa and consular services at its missions in New Delhi and Siliguri. This followed earlier incidents where protesters intruded into a visa application centre, forcing a shutdown. As both nations adopt increasingly hardened positions, the international community has urged restraint. The Russian ambassador to Bangladesh called for Delhi and Dhaka to mend fences, noting "the sooner this happens, the better". With foundational trust eroded by issues of exile, security, and perceived interference, the path to stabilizing one of South Asia's most critical relationships remains fraught with difficulty.