India has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation for religious minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting a brutal mob lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, during last week's unrest in the South Asian country. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged stronger action. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh", pointing out "our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice." The victim, Das, a 25-27-year-old garment factory worker and sole breadwinner for his family, was beaten to death on the night of 18 December in Bhaluka, Mymensingh district. Accused of blasphemy following a workplace dispute, Das was attacked by a mob, his body tied to a tree and set on fire. The incident occurred amid nationwide unrest triggered by the death of prominent anti-India politician Sharif Osman Hadi, who succumbed to gunshot wounds in Singapore. Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, condemned the killing and announced arrests, initially seven, later rising to ten, by the Rapid Action Battalion. The lynching has renewed fears over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, particularly since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-visa-centre-in-bangladesh-suspends-operations-in-chittagong-amid-unrest-bangladesh-indian-visa-centre-yunus-1766313094594">Indian Visa centre in Bangladesh suspends operations in Chittagong amid unrest</a>&nbsp; On 20 December, a small group of 20-25 protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, raising slogans against Das's killing and calling for minority protection. India's foreign ministry spokesperson assured no attack on the Bangladesh mission took place during the protests, dismissing reports in some Bangladeshi media as "misleading propaganda". He clarified, "There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see." Unrest in Bangladesh last week saw attacks on Indian diplomatic premises, including stone-pelting at the Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. India responded by suspending visa operations at its centre in the port city until further notice. Notably, the Yunus government has issued no public statement on protests near Indian missions or the Chittagong incident, while India swiftly reassured Dhaka over the brief New Delhi demonstration, citing obligations under the Vienna Convention.

The victim, Das, a 25-27-year-old garment factory worker and sole breadwinner for his family, was beaten to death on the night of 18 Dec in Bhaluka, Mymensingh district. Accused of blasphemy following a workplace dispute, Das was attacked by a mob, his body tied to a tree and set on fire.

India has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation for religious minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting a brutal mob lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, during last week's unrest in the South Asian country. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged stronger action. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh", pointing out "our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice." The victim, Das, a 25-27-year-old garment factory worker and sole breadwinner for his family, was beaten to death on the night of 18 December in Bhaluka, Mymensingh district. Accused of blasphemy following a workplace dispute, Das was attacked by a mob, his body tied to a tree and set on fire. The incident occurred amid nationwide unrest triggered by the death of prominent anti-India politician Sharif Osman Hadi, who succumbed to gunshot wounds in Singapore. Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, condemned the killing and announced arrests, initially seven, later rising to ten, by the Rapid Action Battalion. The lynching has renewed fears over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, particularly since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Also Read: Indian Visa centre in Bangladesh suspends operations in Chittagong amid unrest On 20 December, a small group of 20-25 protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, raising slogans against Das's killing and calling for minority protection. India's foreign ministry spokesperson assured no attack on the Bangladesh mission took place during the protests, dismissing reports in some Bangladeshi media as "misleading propaganda". He clarified, "There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see." Unrest in Bangladesh last week saw attacks on Indian diplomatic premises, including stone-pelting at the Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. India responded by suspending visa operations at its centre in the port city until further notice. Notably, the Yunus government has issued no public statement on protests near Indian missions or the Chittagong incident, while India swiftly reassured Dhaka over the brief New Delhi demonstration, citing obligations under the Vienna Convention.

&nbsp;India's foreign ministry spokesperson assured no attack on the Bangladesh mission took place during the protests, dismissing reports in some Bangladeshi media as “misleading propaganda”.

India voices ‘strong concern’ over killing of minority Hindu man in Bangladesh

Slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi will be buried beside Bangladesh’s revered national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday, fulfilling the family's wish, Inqilab Mancha said in a social media post. Hadi's mortal remains were brought to Dhaka from Singapore, where he was undergoing treatment, on Friday amid a tense security environment following violent protests by his supporters.&nbsp;"Upon the family's wishes, a decision has been taken to bury Hadi beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and to hold his funeral prayer after Zuhr tomorrow at Manik Mia Avenue," Inqilab Mancha, the organisation Hadi was a spokesperson of, wrote.Muhammmd Yunus-led interim government deployed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel across Dhaka to maintain law and order after a fresh wave of violent protests.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yunus-govt-condemns-lynching-of-hindu-man-says-violence-has-no-place-1766143705105">Yunus government condemns lynching of Hindu man, says violence has no place in New Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;Upon the arrival of Hadi's body in Dhaka, Inqilab Moncho urged its supporters not to respond to any "instructions or provocations" from sources other than the platform itself. &nbsp;"The Inqilab Moncho will be coming to the Dhaka University Central Mosque with the martyr Osman Hadi. Students and the general public will occupy the streets and continue chanting slogans demanding justice," the group said in a statement.&nbsp;"Do not heed any instructions or provocations from anyone other than the Inqilab Moncho," it said, adding that a "strong programme" would be announced soon.&nbsp;Political activist Salman Osman Hadi died in Singapore on Thursday after he was shot at by unidentified men last Friday (Dec 12), triggering a wave of violent protests across Bangladesh by Inqilab Moncho supporters.&nbsp;Protesters went on a rampage during the unrest, ransacking the offices of leading newspapers such as The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age, setting parts of the buildings on fire and disrupting printing operations. Demonstrators also torched or damaged other sites, including the historic cultural centre Chhayanaut and remnants of key political buildings, while in Rajshahi, crowds used heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, to demolish an Awami League party office.&nbsp;Amid the violence, a Hindu garment worker was beaten to death after being accused of blasphemy, deepening concerns over communal tensions.&nbsp;This wave of violence follows prolonged political instability since 2024, including major nationwide protests over governance issues that led to the collapse of the Awami League government and ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

Political activist Osman Hadi’s mortal remains arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening. He will be buried next to Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday amid a tense atmosphere and tight security, following widespread violence, arson and attacks on minorities.

Slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi will be buried beside Bangladesh’s revered national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday, fulfilling the family's wish, Inqilab Mancha said in a social media post. Hadi's mortal remains were brought to Dhaka from Singapore, where he was undergoing treatment, on Friday amid a tense security environment following violent protests by his supporters. "Upon the family's wishes, a decision has been taken to bury Hadi beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and to hold his funeral prayer after Zuhr tomorrow at Manik Mia Avenue," Inqilab Mancha, the organisation Hadi was a spokesperson of, wrote. Muhammmd Yunus-led interim government deployed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel across Dhaka to maintain law and order after a fresh wave of violent protests. Also Read: Yunus government condemns lynching of Hindu man, says violence has no place in New Bangladesh Upon the arrival of Hadi's body in Dhaka, Inqilab Moncho urged its supporters not to respond to any "instructions or provocations" from sources other than the platform itself. "The Inqilab Moncho will be coming to the Dhaka University Central Mosque with the martyr Osman Hadi. Students and the general public will occupy the streets and continue chanting slogans demanding justice," the group said in a statement. "Do not heed any instructions or provocations from anyone other than the Inqilab Moncho," it said, adding that a "strong programme" would be announced soon. Political activist Salman Osman Hadi died in Singapore on Thursday after he was shot at by unidentified men last Friday (Dec 12), triggering a wave of violent protests across Bangladesh by Inqilab Moncho supporters. Protesters went on a rampage during the unrest, ransacking the offices of leading newspapers such as The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age, setting parts of the buildings on fire and disrupting printing operations. Demonstrators also torched or damaged other sites, including the historic cultural centre Chhayanaut and remnants of key political buildings, while in Rajshahi, crowds used heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, to demolish an Awami League party office. Amid the violence, a Hindu garment worker was beaten to death after being accused of blasphemy, deepening concerns over communal tensions. This wave of violence follows prolonged political instability since 2024, including major nationwide protests over governance issues that led to the collapse of the Awami League government and ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Political activist Osman Hadi’s mortal remains arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening. He will be buried next to Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday amid a tense atmosphere and tight security, following widespread violence, arson and attacks on minorities.

Osman Hadi’s body arrives in Dhaka; burial next to Bangladesh national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday

After provocative remarks by Bangladeshi leaders and growing security concerns following threats by extremist elements, India took definitive action on Wednesday and closed the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka. The Indian Visa Application Centre located at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, the capital’s main integrated centre for Indian visa services, shut operations at 2 pm, citing the prevailing security situation. The IVAC said in a statement that all applicants who had appointments scheduled for Wednesday would be rescheduled for a later date. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, and conveyed India’s strong concern over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. “In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka will be closed at 2 PM today. All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date,” said a statement from the Visa Application Centre.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-injured-on-way-to-hospital-after-heart-attack-dies-on-bengaluru-streets-family-donates-eyes-1765975341000">‘Pleaded for help, humanity failed’: Man injured on way to hospital after heart attack dies on Bengaluru streets; family donates eyes</a>&nbsp;The MEA said the envoy’s attention was drawn to the activities of certain extremist elements who had announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.&nbsp;“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the MEA said. It added that India expressed serious concern over security threats to the Indian High Commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Protest march at Indian High Commission in Dhaka</h2>&nbsp;However, a large number of people, under the banner of "July Oyikko" (July Unity), held a protest march to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday and were stopped by the police from going any further. The protesters demanded the immediate repatriation of Sheikh Hasina from India.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Bangladesh: A large number of people, under the banner of &quot;July Oyikko&quot; (July Unity) held a protest march to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. They were stopped by the Police from going any further. The protesters demanded the immediate repatriation of Sheikh Hasina… <a href="https://t.co/xD8HgVpWFT">pic.twitter.com/xD8HgVpWFT</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2001292284814557645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-air-pollution-measures-a-total-failure-only-for-interim-relief-supreme-court-1765970144168">Delhi-NCR air pollution measures a ‘total failure’, only for interim relief: Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;India has 16 visa application centres across Bangladesh. All the IVACs collectively process 22 lakh visa applications in a year. The State Bank of India is the only authorised agency for receiving visa applications in Bangladesh.&nbsp;<h2>‘India rejects false narrative of extremist elements’: MEA</h2>&nbsp;The MEA also said that India rejects the false narrative being spread by extremist elements in Bangladesh regarding certain recent events in the neighbouring country. It said the interim government had neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India on the incidents, without elaborating further.&nbsp;The MEA said in a statement, “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.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-will-not-remain-silent-teach-a-lesson-assam-cm-himanta-sarma-warns-after-bangladesh-leader-s-remarks-1765967159840">‘Will not remain silent, teach a lesson’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma warns after Bangladesh leader’s remarks</a>&nbsp;The envoy from Dhaka was summoned a day after a Bangladeshi political leader issued a threat against India. National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah warned that if Bangladesh was destabilised, his country would seek to isolate India’s northeastern states, known as the Seven Sisters, and provide refuge to separatists. “If Bangladesh is destabilised, the fire of resistance will spread beyond borders,” Abdullah said at a rally on Monday.&nbsp;Separately, Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, seeking cooperation in an ongoing case and again demanding the expeditious extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Last month, Hasina was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity in connection with unrest last year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-planning-core-5-superclub-with-india-as-an-alternative-to-g7-sidelining-europe-1765552327790">Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?</a>&nbsp;Over the last few days, anti-India elements have been making statements about India's northeast and causing trouble as the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus pushes for closer ties with Pakistan&nbsp;Over the last few days, anti-India elements have been making provocative statements as the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus pushes for closer ties with Pakistan.Anti-India elements have been using the attack on student leader Sharif Osman Hadi to target India.

A large number of people, under the banner of "July Oyikko" (July Unity), held a protest march to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday and were stopped by the police from going any further.

After provocative remarks by Bangladeshi leaders and growing security concerns following threats by extremist elements, India took definitive action on Wednesday and closed the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka. The Indian Visa Application Centre located at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, the capital’s main integrated centre for Indian visa services, shut operations at 2 pm, citing the prevailing security situation. The IVAC said in a statement that all applicants who had appointments scheduled for Wednesday would be rescheduled for a later date. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, and conveyed India’s strong concern over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. “In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka will be closed at 2 PM today. All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date,” said a statement from the Visa Application Centre. Also Read: ‘Pleaded for help, humanity failed’: Man injured on way to hospital after heart attack dies on Bengaluru streets; family donates eyes The MEA said the envoy’s attention was drawn to the activities of certain extremist elements who had announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. “We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the MEA said. It added that India expressed serious concern over security threats to the Indian High Commission. Protest march at Indian High Commission in Dhaka However, a large number of people, under the banner of "July Oyikko" (July Unity), held a protest march to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday and were stopped by the police from going any further. The protesters demanded the immediate repatriation of Sheikh Hasina from India.

A large number of people, under the banner of "July Oyikko" (July Unity), held a protest march to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday and were stopped by the police from going any further.

India closes visa application centre in Dhaka after threats from radical leaders in Bangladesh

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned that Delhi would not remain silent and would teach a ‘lesson’ if politicians in Bangladesh continue to make irresponsible remarks about India’s northeast region and reminded them that India is the fourth largest economy in the world and a nuclear nation. Reacting to the comments of Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s newly formed National Citizen Party, Sarma said on Tuesday, “For the past year, there has been repeated discussion in Bangladesh about separating the northeast from India and making it a part of Bangladesh. But India is a very big country, a nuclear nation and the fourth largest economy of the world. How can Bangladesh even think about it?”&nbsp;He added that the people of Bangladesh have a “bad mindset” and that “we should not help them too much”.&nbsp;“We should not help them too much and should teach them a lesson that we will not remain silent if they behave this way towards India,” he said, while talking to media.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-summons-bangladesh-envoy-over-threats-to-indian-high-commission-1765953751913">India summons Bangladesh envoy over threats to Indian High Commission</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hojai | Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, &quot;For the past year, there has been repeated discussion in Bangladesh about separating the Northeast from India and making it a part of Bangladesh... The people of Bangladesh have a bad mindset. We shouldn&#39;t help them too much… <a href="https://t.co/qrQYpHCr9V">pic.twitter.com/qrQYpHCr9V</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2000899729518170526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah said on Monday that Dhaka should “isolate” India’s northeastern states if New Delhi tries to “destabilise” Bangladesh.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Himanta had issued a warning to Bangladesh against targeting India's ‘chicken’s neck’ and said in a post on X that those who ‘habitually threaten’ India on the ‘chicken neck corridor’ should note that Bangladesh has two such narrow strips of land, which are “far more vulnerable”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-envoy-hamidullah-pays-tribute-to-indian-soldiers-on-victory-day-says-both-countries-have-organic-relationship-1765903349626">Bangladesh envoy Hamidullah pays tribute to Indian soldiers on Victory Day; says both countries have 'organic relationship'</a>&nbsp;“First is the 80 km North Bangladesh Corridor from Dakhin Dinajpur to South West Garo Hills. Any disruption here, can completely isolate the entire Rangpur division from rest of Bangladesh,” he had said.“Second is the 28 km Chittagong Corridor, from South Tripura till the Bay of Bengal. This corridor, smaller than India’s chicken neck, is the only link between Bangladesh’s economic capital and political capital,” he added.&nbsp;Earlier this year, the Chief Adviser of the country’s interim government, Mohammed Yunus, said, “The seven states of India in its eastern part are a landlocked region. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardians of the ocean.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-bangladesh-marks-54th-anniversary-of-vijay-diwas-here-s-what-happened-on-this-day-know-all-about-it-indra-gandhi-sam-manekshaw-1765882142817">India-Bangladesh mark 54th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. Here's what happened&nbsp;on&nbsp;this&nbsp;day. Know all about it</a>&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Himanta had warned Bangladesh against targeting India's ‘chicken’s neck’, and said in a post on X that those who ‘habitually threaten’ India on the ‘chicken neck corridor’ should note that Bangladesh has two such narrow strips of land, which are “far more vulnerable”.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned that Delhi would not remain silent and would teach a ‘lesson’ if politicians in Bangladesh continue to make irresponsible remarks about India’s northeast region and reminded them that India is the fourth largest economy in the world and a nuclear nation. Reacting to the comments of Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s newly formed National Citizen Party, Sarma said on Tuesday, “For the past year, there has been repeated discussion in Bangladesh about separating the northeast from India and making it a part of Bangladesh. But India is a very big country, a nuclear nation and the fourth largest economy of the world. How can Bangladesh even think about it?” He added that the people of Bangladesh have a “bad mindset” and that “we should not help them too much”. “We should not help them too much and should teach them a lesson that we will not remain silent if they behave this way towards India,” he said, while talking to media. Also Read: India summons Bangladesh envoy over threats to Indian High Commission

Earlier this year, Himanta had warned Bangladesh against targeting India's ‘chicken’s neck’, and said in a post on X that those who ‘habitually threaten’ India on the ‘chicken neck corridor’ should note that Bangladesh has two such narrow strips of land, which are “far more vulnerable”.

‘Will not remain silent, teach a lesson’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma warns after Bangladesh leader’s remarks

India has summoned Bangladesh's High Commissioner in New Delhi, Md Riaz Hamidullah, and issued a formal diplomatic protest (demarche) over recent threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and inflammatory anti-India statements from Bangladeshi political figures.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: Bangladesh High commission Riaz Hamidullah summoned by India <a href="https://t.co/XymQJVcB9s">pic.twitter.com/XymQJVcB9s</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/2001180848260067418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-adjust-to-new-realities-bangladesh-wants-india-to-extradite-sheikh-hasina-soon-but-says-our-ties-1764560211322">'Adjust to new realities': Bangladesh wants India to extradite Sheikh Hasina soon, but says 'our ties...'</a>&nbsp;The move follows heightened security concerns at the Indian mission in the Bangladeshi capital. India has evacuated non-essential staff and dependents from its High Commission in August 2024 amid widespread unrest that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tensions have simmered since then, with persistent aggressive rhetoric targeting Indian diplomatic premises.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-never-allowed-indian-territory-for-activities-detrimental-to-bangladesh-mea-seikh-hasina-fair-elections-awami-league-narendra-modi-1765727079595"> 'Never allowed Indian territory for activities detrimental to Bangladesh’s interests,' says MEA, calls for free and fair elections</a>&nbsp;Earlier this week, effigies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were burnt during protests, adding to the strain. A key trigger appears to be remarks by Hasnat Abdullah, a prominent leader of Bangladesh's newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) and a figure from the student-led movement that toppled Hasina's government. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka, Abdullah warned that Bangladesh could shelter "separatist and anti-India forces" and potentially "sever" India's northeastern states, often referred to as the "Seven Sisters", from the rest of the country.&nbsp;With elections slated for early 2026, inflammatory rhetoric risks further complicating relations between the neighbours.

The move follows heightened security concerns at the Indian mission in the Bangladeshi capital. India has evacuated non-essential staff and dependents from its High Commission in August 2024 amid widespread unrest that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

India has summoned Bangladesh's High Commissioner in New Delhi, Md Riaz Hamidullah, and issued a formal diplomatic protest (demarche) over recent threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and inflammatory anti-India statements from Bangladeshi political figures.

The move follows heightened security concerns at the Indian mission in the Bangladeshi capital. India has evacuated non-essential staff and dependents from its High Commission in August 2024 amid widespread unrest that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

India summons Bangladesh envoy over threats to Indian High Commission

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, has called for deeper mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations, emphasising their shared history and interdependence, during the 54th Victory Day celebrations at the high commission in New Delhi. In his address, Hamidullah highlighted the enduring bonds forged in 1971, stating, "As people in Bangladesh and India share culture and contiguous geography, more so shared agro-ecology, securing peace, stability, prosperity of both the people remains in our shared interests."&nbsp;He described bilateral relations as "deep and multi-layered," adding, “The organic relationship that our two people share merits going beyond numbers, where interactions are based on dignity, shared values, mutual trust and respect. Let's embrace each other in shaping and advancing a framework of trust and understanding where engagements flourish for the mutual benefit of both peoples.” The remarks come against a backdrop of recent tensions between the 2 countries, on several counts, from former Bangladesh PM Hasina's presence in India, or Bangladeshi politicians making anti-India remarks.&nbsp;Hamidullah paid homage to the sacrifices of the Liberation War, saying: "We are here to celebrate, to remember, to acknowledge, and reflect on the future. Our tribute to all the Freedom Fighters (muktijoddha), including Birangonas (female freedom fighters)." He recalled atrocities, including the cold-blooded murder of over 1,100 intellectuals and violations against women, while honouring the 1,668 Indian soldiers who died on Bangladeshi soil. Cultural figures like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Lata Mangeshkar were praised for their support, alongside Indian military leaders such as Lt Gen Jacob and Lt Gen Aurora.&nbsp;Personally reflecting on childhood inspirations, Hamidullah shared stories of three posthumously decorated captains: Captain Aftabul Qader, Captain Salahuddin Momtaz, and Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir. He described the Battle of Kamalpur as a turning point. &nbsp;These unsung heroes, he said, exemplified the "people's war" against a larger force, crediting young Bengali officers and ordinary peasants for the victory.&nbsp;Bangladesh's 1971 War of Liberation began when Pakistani forces launched Operation Searchlight on 25 March, cracking down on calls for independence in East Pakistan with widespread mass killings and atrocities. The nine-month conflict saw Pakistani troops commit systematic violence. Estimates of deaths range from 300,000 to three million, according to Bangladeshi authorities and independent researchers, ending with Pakistan's surrender on 16 December 1971.

Personally reflecting on childhood inspirations, Hamidullah shared stories of three posthumously decorated captains: Captain Aftabul Qader, Captain Salahuddin Momtaz, and Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir. 

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, has called for deeper mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations, emphasising their shared history and interdependence, during the 54th Victory Day celebrations at the high commission in New Delhi. In his address, Hamidullah highlighted the enduring bonds forged in 1971, stating, "As people in Bangladesh and India share culture and contiguous geography, more so shared agro-ecology, securing peace, stability, prosperity of both the people remains in our shared interests." He described bilateral relations as "deep and multi-layered," adding, “The organic relationship that our two people share merits going beyond numbers, where interactions are based on dignity, shared values, mutual trust and respect. Let's embrace each other in shaping and advancing a framework of trust and understanding where engagements flourish for the mutual benefit of both peoples.” The remarks come against a backdrop of recent tensions between the 2 countries, on several counts, from former Bangladesh PM Hasina's presence in India, or Bangladeshi politicians making anti-India remarks. Hamidullah paid homage to the sacrifices of the Liberation War, saying: "We are here to celebrate, to remember, to acknowledge, and reflect on the future. Our tribute to all the Freedom Fighters (muktijoddha), including Birangonas (female freedom fighters)." He recalled atrocities, including the cold-blooded murder of over 1,100 intellectuals and violations against women, while honouring the 1,668 Indian soldiers who died on Bangladeshi soil. Cultural figures like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Lata Mangeshkar were praised for their support, alongside Indian military leaders such as Lt Gen Jacob and Lt Gen Aurora. Personally reflecting on childhood inspirations, Hamidullah shared stories of three posthumously decorated captains: Captain Aftabul Qader, Captain Salahuddin Momtaz, and Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir. He described the Battle of Kamalpur as a turning point. These unsung heroes, he said, exemplified the "people's war" against a larger force, crediting young Bengali officers and ordinary peasants for the victory. Bangladesh's 1971 War of Liberation began when Pakistani forces launched Operation Searchlight on 25 March, cracking down on calls for independence in East Pakistan with widespread mass killings and atrocities. The nine-month conflict saw Pakistani troops commit systematic violence. Estimates of deaths range from 300,000 to three million, according to Bangladeshi authorities and independent researchers, ending with Pakistan's surrender on 16 December 1971.

Personally reflecting on childhood inspirations, Hamidullah shared stories of three posthumously decorated captains: Captain Aftabul Qader, Captain Salahuddin Momtaz, and Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir.&nbsp;

Bangladesh envoy Hamidullah pays tribute to Indian soldiers on Victory Day; says both countries have 'organic relationship'

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India voices ‘strong concern’ over killing of minority Hindu man in Bangladesh

Osman Hadi’s funeral on Saturday; to be buried beside poet Kazi Nazrul Islam

India closes visa application centre in Dhaka after threats from radical leaders

‘Will not remain silent, teach lesson’: Himanta warns Bangladesh over remarks

India summons Bangladesh envoy over threats to Indian High Commission

Bangladesh envoy Hamidullah pays tribute to Indian soldiers on Victory Day