India Summons Bangladesh Envoy: Diplomatic Row

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

India summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner. This follows Dhaka’s accusations of Indian interference. India reaffirmed its commitment to positive relations. They criticized Bangladesh’s negative portrayal of India. India clarified its position on Sheikh Hasina’s statements.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

India summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to India, Muhammad Nural Islam, on Friday. This action follows recent statements by authorities in Dhaka, which portrayed India in a “negative light.” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India, Mr. Md. Nural Islam, was summoned by MEA to the South Block today, February 7, 2025, at 5:00 pm.”

Jaiswal further detailed the summons, saying, “It was conveyed that India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. This has been reiterated several times in recent high-level meetings. However, it is regrettable that regular statements by Bangladesh authorities continue to portray India negatively, holding us responsible for internal governance issues. These statements by Bangladesh are responsible for the persistent negativity.”

The MEA spokesperson also clarified that comments attributed to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina “have been made in her individual capacity, in which India has no role to play.” Jaiswal pointed out, “Conflating this with the Government of India’s position will not help add positivity to bilateral relations.” He further added, “While the Government of India will make efforts for a mutually beneficial relationship, we expect that Bangladesh will reciprocate similarly without vitiating the atmosphere.”

This development follows Sheikh Hasina’s virtual address from exile in India, where she called upon people to organize resistance against the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. During her speech, protesters vandalized and set fire to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhaka. Hasina stated on Wednesday night, “They can demolish a building, but not the history. But they must also remember that history takes its revenge.” She referenced the Yunus-led interim government, saying, “They are yet to have the strength to destroy the national flag, the constitution, and the independence that we earned at the cost of lives of millions of martyrs.”

On Thursday, Bangladesh lodged a protest with India’s Acting High Commissioner over the “false and fabricated” remarks by Hasina, labeling it a “hostile act.” Dhaka emphasized that “such activities by Sheikh Hasina are considered a hostile act towards Bangladesh and are not conducive to establishing a healthy relationship between the two countries.” Dhaka also requested New Delhi to take appropriate measures to stop her from making such comments. Relations between the two countries could become strained as a result of this issue. India has always supported good relations with its neighbors.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• India summoned the Bangladeshi envoy.
• This followed accusations against India by Dhaka.
• India reaffirmed its commitment to positive relations.
• India clarified its stance on Sheikh Hasina’s statements.
• There are concerns about strained relations.

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