Rising Rift: External Affairs Ministry Summons Bangladesh Diplomat A Day After Indian High Commissioner In Dhaka Was Summoned

Today (13 January), the External Affairs Ministry (EAM) called upon Nural Islam, the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, to deliberate on the rising tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka.

This follows the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoning Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Sunday, in response to claims that India was trying to build fences at five distinct sites along the 4,156-kilometre border between India and Bangladesh.

It was claimed that these actions breached a bilateral agreement that regulates activities at the border. Verma reached the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Dhaka at about 3:00 pm local time yesterday.

His discussion with the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary, Jashim Uddin, spanned roughly 45 minutes, as reported by the state-operated Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency.

"Dhaka and New Delhi "have understandings with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border guard enforcements - BSF (Border Security Force) and BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) - have been in communication in this regard. We expect that this understanding will be implemented and there will be a cooperative approach to combating crimes along the border," Verma said.

Historically, India and Bangladesh have maintained steady diplomatic relations. However, the relationship between the two nations experienced some tension following the overthrow of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in a student-led revolution, and her subsequent asylum in India.

"We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request," an EAM spokesperson said, adding, "At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter".

An arrest warrant has already been issued in Dhaka for Hasina. She was scheduled to appear in court in November 2024 to answer to accusations of "massacres, killings, and crimes against humanity".

Following the downfall of Sheikh Hasina's administration, many of her associates, alleged to have participated in a police operation that resulted in the death of hundreds amidst the turmoil that culminated in her expulsion, have been apprehended.

In the previous November, Bangladesh announced its intention to seek an Interpol "red notice" alert for the absconding leaders of its regime.

Although India is part of Interpol, the issuance of a red notice doesn't obligate them to extradite Hasina, as each nation interprets and applies its own laws on whether or not to execute an arrest.