Dhaka: In a significant diplomatic development, Bangladesh’s interim government summoned Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, to the Foreign Affairs Ministry office on Tuesday. This move comes amidst growing tensions between the two countries, which escalated following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August.
The latest flashpoint in the strained relations arose late last month when Hindu monk Chinmoy Das was arrested in Bangladesh on sedition charges. The monk was detained after he allegedly violated national flag protocols by unfurling a religious flag above the Bangladeshi flag during a rally in Chittagong. Following his arrest, violent clashes broke out, leading to the death of a lawyer.
“The High Commissioner has been asked to come,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain told media representatives in a brief statement. The media reports indicate that Verma entered the Foreign Ministry at 4 pm, where he was met by Acting Foreign Secretary Reaz Hamidullah.
Amid the mounting tensions, Bangladesh’s Foreign Office confirmed that the recent breach at the Indian Consulate was also discussed during the meeting. Following the arrest of Chinmoy Das, there were violent repercussions in the neighboring state of Tripura, India. The Tripura Police arrested seven individuals in connection to the breach, and three policemen were suspended due to alleged negligence. Additionally, a fourth officer was ordered to report to the Police Headquarters. As a result, the Consulate’s operations have been suspended until further notice.
Chinmoy Das’s legal struggles continue, with his bail plea postponed after the hearing was disrupted by the absence of his lawyer. Das’s lawyer, Ramen Roy, was attacked at his home on Monday night and is currently in critical condition in the ICU. In light of this attack, ISKCON Kolkata has called on the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of Roy, urging authorities to take necessary security measures. The next hearing for Das’s bail is scheduled for January 2, 2025.
