External Affairs Ministry summons Bangladesh envoy, conveys ‘strong concerns’ over security situation in Dhaka

Bangladesh media had reported that a group of protesters under the banner of “July Oikya” were stopped by Dhaka’s police while marching towards the Indian High Commission on Wednesday afternoon, with several demands, including the return of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others who fled to India in the wake of the July uprising last year.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, “The Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, was today (December 17) summoned and apprised of India’s strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.”

#WATCH | Delhi | India has summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner regarding the security of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka after a threat was received pic.twitter.com/LlM7uOyuYl

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2025

It said that India “completely rejects the false narrative” sought to be created by “extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh”.

“It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents,” it stated.

“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the statement added.

It said that India has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives. “We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” it said.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s Victory Day was celebrated with a cultural programme at its Embassy in New Delhi. High Commissioner Hamidullah emphasised Bangladesh’s commitment to fulfilling its people’s aspirations, particularly those of the younger generation.

Hamidullah stressed that Bangladesh and India share a mutually beneficial relationship, with a focus on prosperity, peace, and regional security. He said, “We believe our relationship with India is in our shared interest. We have mutual interdependence…”

Extending his greetings to Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrote in a post on X, “Greetings to Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, the Interim Government and the people of Bangladesh on Bijoy Dibosh.”

India closes visa application centre in Dhaka

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka closed its office Wednesday in view of the current security situation.

The IVAC at Jamuna Future Park is the main, integrated centre for all Indian visa services in Dhaka. “In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today (Wednesday),” the IVAC said in a statement.

(With PTI inputs)