Once again there is tension in the relations between India and Bangladesh. The Government of India has expressed serious concern about the security of the Indian High Commission located in Dhaka. In this connection, the Foreign Ministry of India has summoned the High Commissioner of Bangladesh and registered its objection in clear words.
This case is related to the statement of a young leader of a political party of Bangladesh, in which provocative things were said about the north-eastern states of India. India not only called it irresponsible but also considered it against regional peace and diplomatic decorum.
A statement that soured relations
During a public program organized in Dhaka, National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah made such a statement, which strained the relations between the two countries. He said things like isolating the north-eastern states of India and supporting the separatist groups operating there. India has seen this statement as directly linked to its sovereignty and security. India believes that such rhetoric is not only provocative, but also increases the risk of instability spreading across the border.
Who is Hasnat Abdullah?
Hasnat Abdullah is a young political face who has emerged in Bangladesh politics in recent years. He came into limelight for the first time when students in Bangladesh organized a big movement against reservation in government jobs. That movement later took a political form and the then government had to step down from power. Hasnat made his mark by joining this movement and later joined the newly formed National Citizen Party. He was also given organizational responsibility in the party, but even before this he had given controversial statements regarding the army and the ruling establishment.
Why is North Eastern region sensitive for India?
The north-eastern states of India are considered very strategically important for the country. This region is connected to main India through a narrow land, which is considered very sensitive from security point of view. In the past years, a major basis of cooperation between India and Bangladesh has been to provide better connectivity to this region. During the previous governments, both the countries had taken many steps towards making transportation, trade and connectivity easier, but after the recent political changes, these plans have been affected and now such statements seem to make the situation more complicated.
India’s strong message
The Ministry of External Affairs called the High Commissioner of Bangladesh and made it clear that India will not accept any negligence regarding the security of its diplomatic missions. The Ministry has expressed deep concern over the extremist elements active and increasing rhetoric around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. India also clarified that the alleged allegations regarding recent incidents are not based on facts and are completely rejected.
India’s expectations from the interim government
India has expressed hope from the interim government of Bangladesh that it will fulfill its international and diplomatic responsibilities seriously. India says that till now neither any concrete investigation information has been shared nor such evidence has been provided which could confirm the allegations made. India has bluntly said that Bangladesh will have to ensure the security of its Indian missions and officials at all costs, so that the long-standing partnership and trust between the two countries can be maintained.
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