India summons Bangladeshi envoy over security concerns

December 18, 2025

Bangladesh: India on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah over the deteriorating security situation around its diplomatic mission in Dhaka. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India has serious concerns over the activities of some “extremist elements” and expects the interim Bangladesh government to ensure the security of Indian missions and establishments as part of its diplomatic obligations.

Background of protests and political tensions
This move comes amid ongoing protests in Bangladesh, where demonstrators marched towards the Indian High Commission demanding the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since last year’s student protests. Meanwhile, Bangladesh also recently summoned the Indian envoy and objected to alleged statements made by Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil.

India-Bangladesh Relations Strain Ahead of Elections
Political tensions have escalated in Bangladesh ahead of the elections scheduled for February 12th. Relations between the two countries have soured since Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India, and Dhaka has repeatedly demanded her extradition. India has rejected these allegations, stating that the interim government has neither conducted an impartial investigation into recent events nor shared concrete evidence. India has also temporarily closed its visa application center in Dhaka for security reasons.