India Raised Concerns over Minority Safety and Security of Diplomatic Missions in Bangladesh

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Massive protests have erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi. It has triggered a diplomatic tension as Dhaka summoned the Indian envoy. The developments indicate growing tensions between the two neighbours amid political unrest.

What Prompted Renewed India-Bangladesh Tensions?

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated following the killing of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh. He was allegedly killed over blasphemy charges. The incident came amidst protests in Dhaka over the killing of Bangladeshi activist Osman Hadi. He was an outspoken figure known for his anti-India stance.

On Monday, another student leader, National Citizen Party's (NCP) Motaleb Sikder, was shot in the head in Khulna and was rushed for treatment. Police launched a manhunt but said they remained unclear about the motive or perpetrators.

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Hindu religious organisations and minority rights groups held a demonstration outside the National Press Club in Dhaka, describing the incident as part of a wider pattern of religious extremism, attacks on minorities, and official inaction.

Protests Outside Bangladesh High Commission

Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka over the security of Bangladeshi missions in India. Security was amped up at the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi ahead of a VHP protest call, with multilayered barricading put in place to prevent any untoward incident. 

Members of Vishva Hindu Parishad and other Hindu organisations protested over the atrocities against Hindus and the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh.

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Visa Rejections Between Countries

Bangladesh suspended visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi and missions in Tripura and Siliguri, citing unavoidable circumstances. India had earlier suspended visa services at its Chittagong mission after protesters attempted to storm the compound.

Media Offices Vandalised 

Prominent media offices in Bangladesh, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, were attacked. Some journalists were also trapped inside for hours before being rescued as violence erupted over Hadi's death.

US Involvement

Muhammad Yunus, heading the interim government, held a half-hour phone call with US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor. Yunus reiterated his pledge to hold general elections on February 12. He stated the country was “eagerly waiting” to reclaim voting rights allegedly denied under the previous regime. 

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The US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs tweeted, “Today, Special Envoy for SCA Ambassador Sergio Gor held a productive call with Chief Advisor Yunus @ChiefAdviserGoB to discuss recent events in Bangladesh and shared US interests to advance prosperity through trade.”

Yunus insisted the interim government remained committed to delivering a “free, fair and peaceful” election within roughly 50 days but warned that supporters of the ousted Awami League regime were allegedly spending millions to disrupt the electoral process, with a fugitive leader inciting violence from abroad.

Sheikh Hasina Blames Yunus

Sheikh Hasina, in exile, blamed Yunus for Bangladesh’s instability. She accused the interim government of empowering extremists and undermining relations with India. She warned, “lawlessness under Yunus had damaged Bangladesh’s credibility and endangered regional stability.” 

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United Nations Secretary General António Guterres condemned the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. The UN chief's spokesperson expressed concern over the violence and said that people who don't belong to the ‘majority’ need to feel safe in all countries.