New Delhi/Dhaka. The bitterness in diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh has now reached a new and serious turn. Taking a unilateral decision, Bangladesh has indefinitely suspended all types of consular and visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi. On Monday, Bangladeshi officials took this big step citing unavoidable circumstances. This decision is being seen in diplomatic circles as arrogance of Bangladesh and further deepening of the gap between the two countries.
Hussain had said, our mission is located in a very secure area. It is a matter of concern how Hindu extremists were allowed to enter that area. It’s unfortunate that they were able to do this. He also added that after this incident the family of the High Commissioner present in Delhi is feeling unsafe. They have received threats, due to which concerns regarding their security arrangements have increased considerably. left
India has already taken steps
Diplomatic experts believe that this step of Bangladesh could be a reaction to the action taken by India last week. Earlier this week, India had suspended its visa services in Bangladeshi cities like Khulna, Rajshahi and Chittagong citing security reasons. The situation in Bangladesh became tense when protesters attacked the Indian Visa office in Chittagong. The crowd there became furious and the building was pelted with stones. Seeing this violence and the threat to the safety of Indian diplomats, India had limited its services there.
relationships going into the abyss
India-Bangladesh relations, which were once called the Golden Chapter, now seem to be heading towards the abyss. Tension between the two countries has continuously increased since the fall of Sheikh Hasina government. The attacks on Hindus and minority communities in Bangladesh have created concern in India, while the interim government of Bangladesh is aggressive towards India’s stance. Stopping visa services in Delhi will have a direct impact on thousands of Indian citizens and businessmen who want to travel to Bangladesh. Additionally, this move will also create difficulties for those Bangladeshi citizens who are present in India and need help from their embassy.
Question on diplomatic security
The statement of the Foreign Advisor of Bangladesh shows that they intend to raise this issue at the international level. The security of diplomatic missions is the responsibility of the host country under the Vienna Convention. Mohammad Tauheed Hussain’s statement that “how the extremists were allowed to enter” is a direct jibe at the functioning of Delhi Police and security agencies. At present, lack of communication between the two countries and a feeling of distrust towards each other is clearly visible. While India took steps after the attacks on its missions in Bangladesh, now Bangladesh has taken a big diplomatic step on the basis of a small demonstration in Delhi.
