India Summons Bangladesh High Commissioner Again Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

India on Tuesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for the second time, as diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries continue to face strain.

The move follows a series of incidents targeting Bangladeshi diplomatic establishments in India, prompting New Delhi to express serious concerns over the safety and security of foreign missions and their personnel. According to officials cited by ANI, protests and acts of vandalism outside Bangladeshi diplomatic premises have heightened tensions between the two nations.

Earlier, Bangladesh had summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, raising concerns over demonstrations held outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi on December 20, as well as vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri. Dhaka’s foreign ministry alleged that the incidents were carried out by extremist groups.

Backdrop of Unrest in Bangladesh

The diplomatic exchange comes amid widespread anti-India protests in Bangladesh, which have entered a second consecutive day.

Demonstrations erupted following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader and key figure in last year’s pro-democracy movement. Hadi died on Thursday in a Singapore hospital after being shot by unidentified assailants in Dhaka last week. The 32-year-old was known for his outspoken criticism of India.

As news of his death spread, initial scenes of mourning quickly turned into anger and violent protests. Several buildings were vandalised, including offices of media organisations accused by protesters of being sympathetic towards India.

Tensions escalated further after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently living in exile in India, was sentenced to death in absentia over her alleged role in last year’s deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising.

Speaking to AFP in Dhaka, student protester Sajid Al Adeeb said demonstrators were demanding swift justice for Hadi. He alleged that the attackers were “currently in India,” a claim to which New Delhi has not issued a response.

Large crowds were seen marching through the streets of Dhaka, waving national flags and holding placards demanding justice. Similar protests were reported in Gazipur, Sylhet and Chattogram.

Late Thursday night, unrest intensified as protesters set fire to multiple buildings, including offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, further deepening the crisis.