Dhaka summons Indian envoy, voices deep concern over security at Bangladesh missions
This marks the second time in the past 10 days that Verma has been summoned to the foreign ministry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma this morning (23 December) over security concerns surrounding Bangladesh's diplomatic missions in the neighbouring country.
The ministry said in a statement that it summoned the Indian high commissioner to convey Bangladesh's grave concern to the government of India over "the regrettable incidents outside the perimeter of the Bangladesh High Commission and residence in New Delhi on 20 December."
It also mentioned acts of vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri on 22 December by "different extremist elements."
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In response to journalists' questions on Tuesday afternoon, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam said, "The Bangladesh government has formally expressed its deep concern and protest by summoning the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka.
"At that time, the Indian side assured that the matter would be taken seriously. Bangladesh hopes that this assurance will be reflected in swift and effective action."
This marks the second time in the past 10 days that Verma has been summoned to the foreign ministry.
Besides, during the tenure of the interim government, the envoy has been summoned at least six times over various incidents.
Dhaka also expressed deep concern over violent protests outside the premises of different diplomatic missions of Bangladesh in India.
"Bangladesh condemns such acts of premeditated violence or intimidation against diplomatic establishments, which not only endanger the safety of diplomatic personnel but also undermine the principles of mutual respect and values of peace and tolerance," the ministry said.
"The government of Bangladesh called upon the government of India to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents, to take all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such acts and to ensure the safety and security of Bangladesh's diplomatic missions and related facilities in India."
Bangladesh expects India to take appropriate steps immediately in accordance with its international and diplomatic obligations to safeguard the dignity and security of diplomatic personnel and establishments, the statement reads.
Visa and consular services for Bangladesh nationals and applicants in India's New Delhi, Shiliguri, and Agartala have been suspended since yesterday (22 December).
The development came following protests by Hindu nationalist groups, prompting temporary suspensions reportedly on security grounds.
Earlier, on 14 December, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Verma to convey Bangladesh's concerns over what it described as anti-election activities involving fugitive political figures currently staying in India.
In addition, Dhaka sought New Delhi's cooperation in preventing the escape to India of suspects linked to the recent assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, an aspiring independent candidate for Dhaka-8.
The ministry requested that, if any suspects enter Indian territory, they be apprehended immediately and extradited to Bangladesh.
Then on 17 December, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah, citing security concerns around the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
Yesterday, Bangladesh suspended visa and consular services for Bangladesh nationals and applicants in India's New Delhi, Siliguri and Agartala.
The development came following protests by Hindu nationalist groups, prompting suspensions reportedly on security grounds.
Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the suspension will remain in effect until further notice.
Today, Hindutva outfits Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged demonstrations over the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a garment worker in Mymensingh, outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
Police used batons to disperse the protesters trying to break through security barricades outside the high commission, reports the Indian news agency ANI.
