Bangladesh Calls in Indian Envoy Over Violence Targeting Its Missions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express serious alarm over what officials characterized as troubling events that unfolded at multiple locations. These included disruptions at the Bangladesh High Commission and the ambassador's residence in New Delhi on Dec. 20, along with destructive acts at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri two days later, allegedly perpetrated by radical groups.
Dhaka's foreign ministry issued a strong rebuke of what it labeled as deliberate campaigns of aggression and threats directed at its diplomatic compounds.
Officials emphasized that these actions not only "endanger the safety of diplomatic personnel but also undermine the principles of mutual respect and values of peace and tolerance."
Demanding a thorough inquiry, the ministry stated: "Bangladesh expects the Government of India to immediately take appropriate steps in accordance with its international and diplomatic obligations to safeguard the dignity and security of diplomatic personnel and establishments."
Meanwhile in New Delhi, demonstrators from Hindu organizations gathered outside Bangladesh's diplomatic mission, citing what they termed as "attacks on Hindus" within Bangladesh. Authorities responded by deploying substantial security forces to prevent any breach of the compound.
Media reported that Bangladesh has halted visa operations at its New Delhi mission and at its consulate in Tripura, a northeastern Indian state.
Prior to this, the Indian Visa Application Center in Chittagong, Bangladesh's port city, announced it had stopped processing visas starting Dec. 21, based on a public notice on its official website.
Diplomatic tensions between the neighboring nations have intensified following former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina's escape to India in August during a youth-driven revolt that toppled her Awami League party's decade-and-a-half grip on power.
In a separate development, Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus engaged in discussions covering elections, commerce, tariffs, and the death of a political figure during a Monday telephone conversation with US special envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, according to an official statement from Yunus's office.
The statement said Yunus reiterated his commitment to hold general elections on Feb. 12.
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