Bangladesh interim government recalls envoy to India amid tensions between neighbouring countries

Bangladesh's interim government under Muhammad Yunus has recalled envoys to key countries and global bodies, including India, as part of a major reshuffle.Mustafizur Rahman, the high commissioner to Indiahas been ordered to return to Dhaka quickly.

"You have been transferred to headquarters, Ministry of External Affairs, Dhaka. Therefore, you are requested to relinquish your present charge at Bangladesh High Commission, New Delhi and return to HQ, Dhaka without delay," read the official confirmation letter.

Notably, the recall of the Bangladesh envoy to India comes at a time when relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have plummeted, following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Apart from Rahman,Mahbub Hassan Saleh, the ambassador to Belgium;Muhammad Abdul Muhith, the permanent representative to the United Nations; M Allama Siddiqui, the high commissioner to Australiaand Rezina Ahmed, the ambassador to Portugal have also been recalled by Dhaka.

This is not the first instance when the Bangladeshi government has terminated the contract of its diplomats in India.

In August,Shaban Mahmud, First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi andRanjan Sen, a First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladeshi consulate in Kolkata, were also relieved of their duties before the end of their respective tenures.

Watch |Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster: Where does Bangladesh stand now?

Why the breakdown in relations?

Former PM Hasina has sought refuge in the northern Indian city of Ghaziabad ever since fleeing Bangladesh as the demonstratorstook over her official residence in the wake of the students' protest in August.

The interim government has demanded that New Delhi extradite Hasina so that she can be tried in the courts for her involvement in the deaths of the protesters.

Last month, the newly appointed chief prosecutor of the country's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Mohammad Taijul, stated that Bangladesh willtake 'necessary steps' to secure the extradition of Hasina.

“Necessary steps will be taken to bring former prime minister Hasina back under the extradition treaty with India to try her on charges of mass killings during the student-led protests in July and August,” Taijul said.

The relations have also deteriorated due to the condition of Bangladeshi Hindus in the country where they have been subjected to brutal treatment from the majority Muslim populace.

(With inputs from agencies)