New Delhi, Dec 17 (V7N) — India has summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah and lodged a formal diplomatic protest over recent threats against the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka and what New Delhi described as anti-India inflammatory statements made by Bangladeshi political figures.

The Bangladeshi envoy was summoned to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday afternoon. Earlier, on Monday (December 15), Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma was summoned to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The reciprocal diplomatic summons followed two days later.

According to diplomatic sources, the move is linked to recent remarks by Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and one of the prominent figures of the student-led movement that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Addressing a rally in Dhaka, Hasnat Abdullah warned that Bangladesh could harbor “separatist and anti-India forces” and even suggested the possibility of “disconnecting” India’s northeastern states, commonly referred to as the “Seven Sisters,” from the rest of the country. His remarks triggered strong reactions in New Delhi.

Tensions were further escalated earlier this week when an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was burned during protests in Bangladesh.

Indian officials view the rhetoric as highly provocative, particularly at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for national elections scheduled for early 2026. Analysts warn that such statements, combined with rising nationalist sentiment, could further strain India-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, which have traditionally been marked by cooperation in trade, security, and regional connectivity.

Both sides have yet to issue detailed public statements following Wednesday’s diplomatic meeting.

END/SMA/AJ