Bangladesh high commissioner summoned in New Delhi

India's Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to New Delhi M Riaz Hamidullah. He was summoned to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs at noon on Wednesday (17 December) over concerns related to the security of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka following the receipt of a threat.

Earlier, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Monday (15 December). Two days later, Bangladesh's high commissioner in Delhi has been summoned.

It is believed the summons relates to recent remarks by Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and a key figure in the student-led movement that ousted Sheikh Hasina's government. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka, Hasnat Abdullah warned that Bangladesh could shelter "separatist and anti-India forces" and could "disconnect" India's northeastern states, often known as the "Seven Sisters," from the rest of the country.

Earlier, on Sunday (14 December), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma posted in Dhaka over allegations of allowing Sheikh Hasina to incite terrorist activities in Bangladesh from India and attempting to sabotage the upcoming national parliament elections. The Bangladesh government expressed deep concern to the Indian government on these issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said fugitive Sheikh Hasina, staying in India, is regularly making provocative statements calling on her supporters to engage in terrorist activities, which is being considered a serious threat to Bangladesh's law and order situation and democratic process.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these individuals are assisting in planning, organising, and implementing terrorist activities in Bangladesh with the aim of obstructing the upcoming elections. Urgent and effective steps from India are expected to stop such criminal activities.