Indian envoy Pranay Verma summoned in Dhaka over security of Bangladesh missions in India

Dhaka summons Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma was summoned to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday morning amid concerns over the security of Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India, officials said, according to Dhaka Tribune.

According to sources cited by Dhaka Tribune, at the Bangladeshi foreign ministry, Verma was called in shortly before 10 am by Foreign Secretary Asad Al Siam. India’s Deputy High Commissioner was also present during the meeting.

Officials said the summons was linked to the evolving security situation surrounding Bangladeshi missions across several locations in India. Verma was urged to ensure strengthened security arrangements for Bangladesh’s diplomatic establishments and personnel.

This marks the second time in recent weeks that the Indian High Commissioner has been summoned. On December 14, Verma was also called to the foreign ministry, when Bangladesh conveyed its concerns over what it described as provocative statements by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted earlier this year.

During the earlier meeting, Bangladeshi authorities also sought India’s cooperation in preventing those accused in the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi from fleeing into Indian territory. Dhaka requested that if any of the accused enter India, they be immediately arrested and extradited to Bangladesh.

The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid heightened political tensions in Bangladesh and increased sensitivity around the safety of diplomatic missions, as protests and unrest continue to grip parts of the country.