India Summons Bangladesh Envoy After Threatening Remarks by Politician

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi, Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah, following threatening remarks made by a Bangladeshi politician. The summons was issued after Hasnat Abdullah, the leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), addressed a gathering at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar and suggested that his party would support separatist movements in India’s northeastern states.

Abdullah stated, “We will shelter separatist and anti-India forces and then we will sever the seven sisters from India.” His comments raised alarms regarding the safety of Indian diplomats in Bangladesh and the overall diplomatic relations between the two countries. He further claimed that if Bangladesh were destabilized, his party would provide refuge to Northeast separatists.

These remarks followed a period of tension, as Abdullah insisted that India must respect Bangladesh’s sovereignty. He emphasized, “I want to make it clear to India that if you provide shelter to forces that do not respect Bangladesh’s sovereignty, potential, voting rights, and human rights, Bangladesh will respond.” Such statements contribute to a complex diplomatic landscape, particularly as India has long accused separatist groups of using Bangladesh as a safe haven.

In response to Abdullah’s comments, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, described the remarks as “irresponsible and dangerous.” He pointed out India’s status as a significant global power, stating, “How can Bangladesh even think about it?”

The Indian government reacted promptly through the Foreign Ministry, which asserted, “We expect that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections.” This statement underscores India’s concerns about the potential for instability in the region and its impact on bilateral relations.

India has historically faced challenges from separatist groups operating in its northeastern states, many of which have reportedly used Bangladesh as a logistical base. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, several Northeast rebel groups were known to maintain camps and support networks across the border.

The recent exchange of remarks between Bangladeshi and Indian officials highlights the ongoing complexities affecting diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. As both nations navigate these sensitive issues, the focus remains on ensuring stability and fostering a cooperative environment.