Bangladesh has expressed deep concern and lodged a strong protest over the recent attacks and vandalism targeting its diplomatic mission in New Delhi and the Bangladesh Visa Application Centre in Siliguri, calling for India’s assurances to be reflected in concrete action.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pranay Verma and formally conveyed Bangladesh’s position, urging swift and effective steps to address the incidents.
Ministry spokesperson SM Mahabubul Alam made the remarks while briefing reporters at the ministry’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, December 23.
Responding to a question on India’s reaction following the summoning of the High Commissioner, the spokesperson said Bangladesh had officially expressed its deep concern and protest, to which the Indian side assured that the matter would be taken seriously. “Bangladesh expects that this assurance will be translated into effective and visible action at the earliest,” he said.
On the temporary suspension of visa services, Mahabubul Alam said the decision was taken purely on security grounds. “Visa services have been temporarily closed at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala,” he said.
He added that operations at the Bangladesh Visa Application Centre in Siliguri have also been temporarily suspended amid security concerns.
Dhaka has reiterated its expectation that India will ensure the safety and security of Bangladesh’s diplomatic personnel and establishments in line with international law and diplomatic obligations.