India has lodged a formal protest over the deteriorating security situation surrounding its diplomatic mission in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The move comes amid escalating political tensions and ongoing protests linked to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since last year.

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India Summons Bangladesh Envoy

On Wednesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladeshi envoy Riaz Hamidullah to express concerns about the actions of what it called “extremist elements” targeting the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of [Indian] missions and posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the ministry stated.

The decision follows recent protests in Dhaka, where demonstrators marched toward the Indian High Commission, demanding the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina to face trial in Bangladesh. Police reportedly prevented the march to avoid clashes.

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Background: Hasina’s Exile and Conviction

Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in August 2024 following mass student-led protests and widespread public unrest that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 protesters. She subsequently fled to India, where she has remained in exile.

Earlier this month, a Bangladeshi court sentenced Hasina to death, holding her responsible for authorizing lethal force against demonstrators. Hasina has rejected the allegations, claiming the interim government aimed to weaken her party, the Awami League, and asserting her government had a strong record on human rights.

Bangladesh has repeatedly requested Hasina’s extradition, but India has refused, further straining bilateral relations.

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Reciprocal Diplomatic Tensions

Relations between India and Bangladesh have been tense for months. On Sunday, Bangladesh summoned India’s envoy in Dhaka to protest alleged incendiary statements by Hasina from Indian soil, which Dhaka claims were intended to influence the upcoming elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.

India has categorically rejected these claims, accusing “extremist elements” in Bangladesh of trying to create a false narrative.

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Political Instability Ahead of Elections

The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is preparing for national elections under tense circumstances. Political unrest has escalated in recent weeks, with multiple protests reported across the country.

In a recent development, Hasnat Abdullah, leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP), warned that Bangladesh could shelter separatist groups to challenge India’s strategic access to its “Seven Sisters” northeastern states if Delhi interfered in Dhaka’s domestic politics.

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Security Measures and Visa Disruptions

Amid rising tensions, India temporarily closed its visa application centre in Dhaka, rescheduling appointments for the second half of the week. The Ministry of External Affairs criticized Bangladesh for failing to conduct thorough investigations or provide meaningful evidence regarding incidents affecting Indian interests.

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Conclusion

The recent summoning of Bangladesh’s envoy underscores the fragile state of India-Bangladesh relations, heightened by Sheikh Hasina’s exile, her death sentence, and ongoing protests. With elections approaching in February, diplomatic and security challenges are likely to remain acute, raising concerns about cross-border tensions and the safety of Indian missions in Dhaka.