India Warns Bangladesh Over Escalating Protests

By John Pranay (Editor)

India has summoned the Bangladeshi High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, over growing security concerns in Bangladesh. The move comes as protests near Indian missions in the country have intensified, prompting the temporary closure of two Indian visa application centers in Khulna and Rajshahi. The Indian government has expressed strong concerns over the worsening security environment in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to ensure the safety of foreign diplomatic missions.

The tensions between India and Bangladesh have been escalating over the past few days. Protests near Indian missions in Bangladesh have become increasingly frequent, with demonstrators attempting to march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commission in Rajshahi. The Indian government has taken a precautionary step by temporarily closing two visa application centers in Khulna and Rajshahi, citing the deteriorating security situation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to convey India's strong concerns over the security environment in Bangladesh.

• December 17, 2025: Protests erupt near Indian missions in Khulna and Rajshahi, prompting the temporary closure of two Indian visa application centers.

• December 18, 2025: The Indian visa application center in Dhaka is closed due to protests outside the Indian High Commission.

• December 18, 2025: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summons the Bangladeshi High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey India's strong concerns over the security environment in Bangladesh.

• December 18, 2025: The Indian government urges the interim government in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of foreign diplomatic missions.

The tensions between India and Bangladesh have significant implications for the region. The two countries have a long-standing bilateral relationship, but the current security concerns have put a strain on their ties. India's decision to provide shelter to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also contributed to the tensions, with several protests in Bangladesh demanding her return. The situation highlights the complexities of managing diplomatic sensitivities while ensuring the security of missions and maintaining long-standing bilateral cooperation.

The protests near Indian missions in Bangladesh have raised concerns about the safety of foreign diplomatic personnel and the potential for escalation. The temporary closure of visa application centers has also affected Bangladeshi citizens who were scheduled to travel to India. The situation has the potential to impact the economic and social ties between the two countries, with trade and people-to-people exchanges being affected.

The situation is expected to remain tense in the coming days, with the Indian government maintaining its strong concerns over the security environment in Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi government has been urged to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of foreign diplomatic missions. The upcoming elections in Bangladesh are also expected to be a key factor in the situation, with the Indian government calling for free, fair, and inclusive elections.

Q: What prompted the Indian government to summon the Bangladeshi High Commissioner?

A: The Indian government expressed strong concerns over the worsening security environment in Bangladesh, citing the deteriorating security situation and protests near Indian missions.

Q: What are the implications of the temporary closure of visa application centers?

A: The closure has affected Bangladeshi citizens who were scheduled to travel to India, and has raised concerns about the safety of foreign diplomatic personnel.

Q: What is the Indian government's stance on the upcoming elections in Bangladesh?

A: The Indian government has called for free, fair, and inclusive elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

Assessment: Bearish.

1. Visa centres shut, Bangladeshi envoy summoned by India: What has sparked tensions? Explained — https://www.dynamitenews.com/national/visa-centres-shut-bangladeshi-envoy-summoned-by-india-what-has-sparked-tensions-explained

2. India closes two visa centres in Bangladesh, cites security concerns amid anti-India protests outside diplomatic missions — https://indianexpress.com/article/world/india-closes-two-visa-centres-in-bangladesh-protests-outside-diplomatic-missions-10427284/

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.