New Delhi: India on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah and lodged its protest over plans by certain extremist elements to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka.
New Delhi also expressed its serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh and reiterated its call for holding free, fair, and credible parliamentary elections. The polls are scheduled for February 12.
Hamidullah was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and was served a demarche or a formal diplomatic note, people familiar with the matter said.
While the ministry did not specify the incidents, it warned that extremist elements have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission.
“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the MEA added. “His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.”
The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Dhaka’s Jamuna Future Park had closed at 2 pm Wednesday due to security concerns.
“In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today,” the IVAC said.
Trade is also feeling the impact of the simmering tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, a key market for Indian cable TV equipment, saw reduced participation at the 26th Cable TV Show due to visa constraints.
“Normally, around 400 Bangladeshi delegates visit the show. This time, visa availability became a major challenge due to various issues,” said Pawan Jajodia, chairman (exhibition), Cable TV Equipment Traders and Manufacturers Association (CTMA).
After repeated requests to the Indian High Commission, only 60 delegates secured visas. He warned that the limited participation will affect cross-border trade engagement.
The threat is not limited to trade.
Eleven fishermen survived the capsizing of the Indian vessel FB Paramita-11 near the India-Bangladesh maritime boundary on Monday after a Bangladeshi patrol vessel allegedly hit their trawler.
One fisherman, Rajdul Ali Sheikh, was killed with a “spear-like weapon,” reported The Times Of India.
The survivors described an attack that nearly killed all on board. The fishermen arrived in Namkhana on Tuesday, with five still missing. Rajdul Ali Sheikh, assisting helmsman Rakhal Das, was killed by a “spear” as the trawler was hit.
