Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Reaz Hamidullah, has returned to Dhaka following an urgent summons from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This development occurred on Monday night and is viewed against the backdrop of perceived strain in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.
The sudden recall of the envoy signals a period of significant diplomatic activity. Upon his arrival in Dhaka, Hamidullah is expected to engage in discussions concerning the current state of affairs between the two nations. While the specific reasons for the urgent summons have not been officially disclosed, the timing and context suggest a matter of considerable importance requiring high-level consultations.
This diplomatic move follows a period marked by some friction. Recently, there have been protests and demonstrations that have underscored underlying tensions. For example, just last week, Bangladesh summoned the Indian envoy in Dhaka amidst protests in New Delhi concerning the lynching of a Hindu worker. The garment worker was accused of blasphemy, and the incident sparked unrest and amplified anti-India sentiment within Bangladesh.
Ties between the two countries have faced challenges, particularly since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her subsequent seeking of refuge in India. Bangladesh has requested India to extradite Hasina, who was sentenced to death in absentia for allegedly orchestrating a deadly crackdown on an uprising.
Earlier, protests erupted outside Bangladesh's High Commission in New Delhi, with demonstrators waving saffron flags and holding banners with messages such as "Stop Killing Hindus in Bangladesh". These demonstrations prompted Bangladesh to summon the Indian High Commissioner to express "grave concern" over the situation, citing "regrettable incidents" and vandalism outside its visa centers in New Delhi and Siliguri. However, Indian authorities have dismissed claims of vandalism as "misleading propaganda".
In response to the escalating tensions, Dhaka temporarily suspended visa services in Delhi. Furthermore, Russia has urged both Delhi and Dhaka to work towards mending their relationship, emphasizing the importance of improved relations.
The return of the Bangladeshi envoy to Dhaka for urgent consultations indicates that both governments are taking the situation seriously. The coming days are likely to see intense diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues and work towards a resolution that reaffirms the historically strong ties between Bangladesh and India. The outcome of Hamidullah's discussions in Dhaka will be crucial in shaping the near-term trajectory of this important bilateral relationship.
