Diplomatic Correspondent :
Dhaka-Delhi relations have come under renewed strain following a series of violent protests in India linked to killings in Bangladesh, prompting Dhaka to summon the Indian High Commissioner and demand immediate steps to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions.
The developments mark one of the most serious diplomatic flare-ups between the two neighbours in recent years, centring on what Bangladesh has described as “premeditated violence or intimidation” against its diplomatic establishments.
The immediate trigger has been the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, 28, a garment worker, who was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district on December 18. His body was later set on fire.
The incident sparked outrage among Hindu groups in India and led to large-scale protests outside Bangladeshi missions, particularly in New Delhi, Kolkata and Siliguri.
Tensions peaked on Tuesday when several thousand protesters, reportedly affiliated with extremist Hindu organisations, gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
According to Indian media outlets including PTI, ANI and NDTV, protesters carrying saffron flags and chanting slogans broke through multiple layers of police barricades in the high-security diplomatic zone.
Videos aired on Indian television channels showed protesters burning Bangladesh’s national flag and a portrait of Prof Muhammad Yunus.
Indian authorities had stepped up security in advance, anticipating the demonstration announced by right-wing Hindu groups.
NDTV reported that up to 15,000 police personnel were deployed as part of a “strong force” to prevent the crowd from reaching the High Commission building.
Police buses were parked as physical barriers, and the area was secured with three layers of barricading.
Despite these measures, several protesters managed to breach at least two barricades and move closer to the mission, raising alarm in Dhaka.
Similar tensions were reported elsewhere.
Hundreds of protesters attempted to march towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata under a procession titled “Hindu Hunkar Padayatra,” organised by Bongiyo Hindu Jagaran.
The march began from Sealdah and was heading towards the mission when police intercepted it in the Beckbagan area.
A large contingent of police was deployed around the Deputy High Commission to maintain law and order. In Siliguri, vandalism was reported at the Bangladesh Visa Application Centre on December 22.
Against this backdrop, Bangladesh moved swiftly on the diplomatic front. On Tuesday morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma to convey what it termed the government’s “grave concern” over the incidents. The meeting was held with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
In a formal statement, the Ministry said the High Commissioner was called in to discuss “the regrettable incidents outside the perimeter of the Bangladesh High Commission and residence in New Delhi on 20 December 2025, and the acts of vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri on 22 December 2025 by different extremist elements.”
Bangladesh also expressed deep concern over violent protests staged outside the premises of various Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India.
Dhaka condemned what it called acts of “premeditated violence or intimidation” against diplomatic establishments, warning that such actions not only endanger the safety of diplomatic personnel but also undermine the principles of mutual respect and the values of peace and tolerance that underpin bilateral relations.
The government called upon India to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents, to take all necessary measures to prevent their recurrence, and to ensure the safety and security of Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions and related facilities across India.
“The Government of Bangladesh expects the Government of India to immediately take appropriate steps in accordance with its international and diplomatic obligations to safeguard the dignity and security of diplomatic personnel and establishments,” the statement said, underscoring India’s responsibilities under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Later in the evening, Foreign Ministry spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam provided further details in response to media queries.
Asked about India’s reaction during the summoning of the High Commissioner, he said, “The Government of Bangladesh formally conveyed its deep concern and protest by summoning the Indian High Commissioner posted in Dhaka.
During the meeting, the Indian side assured that the matter would be treated with due seriousness. Bangladesh expects this assurance to be reflected promptly in concrete and effective actions.”
He added that Bangladesh expects India’s assurances to be reflected in swift and effective action on the ground.
On questions regarding consular services, the spokesperson said that, considering security concerns, visa services at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala had been temporarily suspended.
The Bangladesh Visa Application Centre in Siliguri has also been temporarily closed.
Indian media reports quoted police officials as saying that security agencies had remained on high alert throughout the protests to avoid any untoward incident.
Despite the clashes and barricade breaches, no major injuries were reported.
However, the images of protesters advancing into a diplomatic zone have already had political and diplomatic repercussions.
The incidents have also sparked demonstrations in Bangladesh, including protests outside the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, prompting both governments to summon envoys to stress the need for security and restraint.
Regarding the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said, “A Bangladeshi citizen was brutally killed. To link this incident with minority security does not make sense.”
He noted that Bangladesh had taken immediate action and that several arrests had already been made.
“Such incidents do not happen only in Bangladesh. They happen in all countries in this region, and every country has a responsibility to take appropriate action. Bangladesh has done that,” he added.
