Bangladesh Summons Indian High Commissioner After Agartala Mission Breach: A New Chapter in India-Bangladesh Relations?

Published: December 3, 2024 | Updated: December 3, 2024, 6:00 PM IST

Dhaka/New Delhi:

India-Bangladesh Relations: The diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh faced a fresh challenge after the breach at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala on Monday. In response, Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, signaling its dissatisfaction over the incident.
On Monday, more than 50 protesters entered the premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. The protest, purportedly against atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, turned violent when protesters broke through police barricades, leaving staff and diplomats present in a panic.

What Happened in Agartala?

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi expressed their regret to the incident, emphasizing, “Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. Security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission and its subsidiaries are being enhanced.”
Bangladesh’s acting Foreign Secretary Reaz Hamidullah summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to convey the government’s concerns. According to reports from Bangladesh’s state-run news agency, Verma was asked to explain the breach and the perceived lack of adequate security.

In a Facebook post, Asif Nazrul, a prominent adviser in the interim government, criticized India, stating, “We believe in friendship based on equality. India must realize this is not Sheikh Hasina’s Bangladesh.”
The incident occurs amid political unrest in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in August 2024. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now leads an interim government, which has promised to restore democratic norms.

Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

Adding to tension is the Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who stands on charges of sedition in Bangladesh. No lawyers appeared to defend him in the court during the bail hearing, which was scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed until January 2, 2025. The supporters claim that the threats from a politically motivated lawyers’ group have been reason enough for no lawyer to show up for representation.

Strain in India-Bangladesh Relations

The recent developments point to growing tensions between the two countries. Traditionally, Sheikh Hasina’s government was pro-Indian, but the interim government apparently wants to reassess these relations.

Way Forward

The Agartala protest and the retaliation from the diplomatic side reflect the inherent difficulty in handling issues at one’s border, particularly if there is a change in a country’s political leadership. End
While the Indian government has expressed regret and promised enhanced security, observers believe that both nations have to focus more on dialogue and mutual respect to resolve growing differences.

India and Bangladesh share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties. However, incidents like this risk undermining goodwill built over decades.