New Delhi/Dhaka: In a dramatic turn of events, the Muhammad Yunus-led government in Bangladesh urgently recalled two senior diplomats from India on Thursday, signaling escalating tensions between the neighboring nations. Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, Shikdar Mohammad Ashraful Rahman, and Assistant High Commissioner in Agartala, Arif Mohammad, were directed to return to Dhaka following reports of security breaches and rising protests near Bangladeshi diplomatic missions.
Protests Over Arrest of Hindu Monk Spur Diplomatic Fallout
The recall comes amid unrest in West Bengal and Tripura, where protests erupted over the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh on sedition charges. Demonstrators also voiced anger over reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, leading to a surge of cross-border tensions.
Diplomatic sources in New Delhi revealed that the recalled diplomats have been instructed to work from Dhaka until further notice. Shikdar Mohammad returned on Thursday, while Arif Mohammad is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka by Saturday. The orders, issued on Tuesday, underscore the urgency of the situation.
Security Breach at Agartala Mission Sparks Outrage
The crisis deepened earlier this week when hundreds of protesters breached the premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura. The protest, fueled by outrage over Chinmoy Das’s arrest and the alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, escalated into a violent incident.
According to the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, demonstrators forcibly entered the mission after breaking down its main gate in what it described as a “pre-planned” attack. Protesters vandalized the flagpole, desecrated the national flag of Bangladesh, and caused significant property damage. The mission had to suspend consular services following the incident.
In a strongly worded statement, the ministry alleged that local law enforcement agencies failed to prevent the breach and suggested complicity in allowing the protesters to storm the premises.
Impact on Indo-Bangladeshi Relations
The diplomatic row highlights growing strains between India and Bangladesh, traditionally close neighbors with strong cultural and economic ties. The incident has raised questions about the safety of Bangladeshi diplomats in India and the broader handling of communal tensions that have spilled across borders.
Bangladesh’s recall of senior diplomats is seen as a rare and significant step, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Meanwhile, local governments in India, particularly in Tripura and West Bengal, are under pressure to address the security lapses and manage the unrest.
What Lies Ahead?
While both nations have yet to issue official statements addressing the diplomatic recall, the developments underscore the need for urgent dialogue to defuse tensions. With Chinmoy Das’s arrest and the reported attacks on minorities in Bangladesh serving as flashpoints, the Indo-Bangladeshi relationship faces one of its most challenging moments in recent history.
Observers hope for a measured response from both sides to prevent further escalation, as the safety of diplomats and the resolution of communal grievances take center stage.
