New Delhi: The Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday and apprised of New Delhi’s strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.
“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,” the ministry said in a press release.
It added: “India has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives. We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations.”
On Monday, National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah claimed that Bangladesh could become a base for elements opposed to India, including separatist outfits, and could play a role in isolating India’s northeastern states – collectively known as the “seven sisters”. He made the statement while speaking at a gathering at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar.
