India summons Bangladesh envoy in Delhi over ‘security concerns’

It conveys concerns over “the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka”

India has summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi Riaz Hamidullah to express its concerns over the "deteriorating security environment" in Bangladesh.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Riaz was called in to discuss “the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka”.

The ministry said Delhi “completely rejects” the "false narrative" being promoted by extremist elements in connection with recent developments in Bangladesh. It added that it was disappointed the interim government had neither carried out a thorough investigation nor shared what it described as meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents.

India said its relationship with Bangladesh was rooted in the 1971 Liberation War and had since been strengthened through development cooperation and people-to-people ties.

“We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.”

The statement added that the ministry expected Bangladesh's interim government to ensure the safety of its missions and posts in Bangladesh “in keeping with diplomatic obligations”.