Indian envoy called over ‘disparaging’ remarks

Bangladesh on Thursday summoned India’s acting High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pawan Badhe, over remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that it described as “disparaging” to bilateral relations.

Director General (South Asia) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ishrat Jahan, conveyed Dhaka’s position to the envoy, expressing “strong displeasure” over the comments,
diplomatic sources said.

This is the first time an Indian envoy has been summoned since the BNP-led government assumed office in February.

The controversy stems from a recent interview in which Sarma reportedly said he prays that relations between India and Bangladesh do not improve further.

He also suggested that current bilateral tensions should persist due to Bangladesh’s domestic situation.

The Foreign Ministry termed the remarks “objectionable” and warned they could negatively affect the historically cordial ties between the two neighbours.

A spokesperson said the envoy was summoned to convey Bangladesh’s formal protest and its expectation that Indian authorities take appropriate steps in response.

The development comes amid heightened sensitivity in bilateral relations, particularly over issues related to India’s northeastern region, trade, migration, and border security.

Analysts say such remarks risk undermining ongoing cooperation between the two countries in areas including river management, connectivity, and security.

While comments by individual political leaders have previously drawn diplomatic reactions, officials noted that the explicit nature of Sarma’s statement—expressing a desire for continued deterioration in ties—prompted a swift response from Dhaka.

Bangladesh and India share extensive cooperation in trade, water-sharing, and cultural exchanges, with both sides repeatedly stressing the need for respectful public discourse to sustain relations.