Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah was urgently summoned back to Dhaka, arriving late Monday night, amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours. The sudden move has sparked speculation in diplomatic circles about a possible recalibration of Dhaka’s ties with New Delhi.

For weeks, there has been discussion that Bangladesh may seek to scale down its diplomatic engagement with India. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain had earlier hinted at such a course, and officials believe the recall of the High Commissioner is linked to this broader reassessment of bilateral relations.

In a related development, Bangladesh has suspended visa issuance from its missions in India, including Delhi and Kolkata, and curtailed other consular services. While India continues to issue medical visas to Bangladeshi nationals, the validity of previously issued visas is not being extended except in cases of extreme urgency, a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official said.

Protests and triggering incident

The diplomatic strain has been accompanied by protests and unrest in both countries. Over the past ten days, demonstrations have taken place outside High Commissions and consular offices on both sides.

Tensions escalated following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a young leader of Islamic Mancha known for his strong anti-India stance and hardline Islamist views. Bangladesh has alleged that those responsible for the murder fled to India, a claim firmly dismissed by Indian authorities.

Diplomatic exchanges and security concerns

Following the killing, Dhaka summoned India’s High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, and issued a warning. In response, New Delhi summoned Riaz Hamidullah and conveyed concerns over the security of its High Commission in Dhaka, urging Bangladeshi authorities to ensure its protection.

Subsequently, India enhanced security at its High Commission in the Baridhara diplomatic zone of Dhaka. Despite these measures, Indian consular offices in Chittagong and Khulna witnessed demonstrations.

Outlook ahead of elections

Observers warn that if the current trajectory continues, India–Bangladesh relations could become largely formalistic, similar to India–Pakistan ties, where diplomatic missions remain open but engagement is limited.

Sources in the MEA said relations may deteriorate further in the run-up to Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary elections, with several political parties, in addition to the ruling establishment, expected to intensify anti-India rhetoric, potentially deepening the diplomatic rift.

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