Following serious tensions between the two nations, Bangladesh recently called in Pranay Verma, India’s High Commissioner. This diplomatic move occurred just hours after Bangladesh suspended visa and consular services at its Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, due to a security incident involving protests against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh.
Reaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh’s acting foreign secretary, issued the summons in response to rising tensions related to violence against the country’s Hindu minority and the security lapse at the consulate in Agartala. Around 4 PM local time, the Indian envoy reached the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka.
Agartala’s Bangladesh High Commission declared that all consular and visa services will be halted “until further notice,” citing the present security circumstances. Following protests in which protesters broke over consular security barriers, this decision was made.
About fifty people participated in the rallies against Chinmoy Krishna Das’s incarceration, which were triggered by his arrest. Indian authorities responded to the disturbances by suspending three police officers and making seven arrests for their ineffective situational management.
Verma underlined that India and Bangladesh have a “wide-ranging and multi-faceted relationship” that cannot be boiled down to a single topic during the discussion with Bangladeshi authorities. Despite recent difficulties, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to cultivating a good partnership.
Since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in August 2024, tensions have increased, raising concerns about retaliation against minority groups thought to be sympathetic of her administration. Since Bangladesh is currently governed by an interim administration, diplomatic ties with
