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India-Bangladesh in diplomatic standoff, top envoy summoned amid rising border tensions

New Delhi: India summons Bangladesh's Deputy High Commissioner amid escalating tensions over border fencing issues just a day after Dhaka summoned the Indian envoy.

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Edited By: Mahi Mishra
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India and Bangladesh in Diplomatic Standoff: Top Envoy Summoned Amid Rising Border Tensions (X/ @SaleemQadri_)

New Delhi: India has summoned Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner, Nural Islam, amid rising tensions between the two nations. This diplomatic move follows a similar action taken by Bangladesh's foreign ministry, which had previously summoned India's High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, in Dhaka.

Background of the Diplomatic Tensions

The Ministry of External Affairs in India expressed its concerns regarding recent activities by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the Bangladesh-India border. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry articulated its apprehensions through a statement made by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin. He conveyed to High Commissioner Pranay Verma that the Bangladeshi government is deeply concerned about these developments.

India's Commitment to Border Security

Following his meeting with the Bangladeshi foreign minister, Pranay Verma emphasized India's dedication to maintaining a crime-free border. He stated, "I met the foreign secretary to discuss India's commitment to ensuring crime-free borders, effectively addressing challenges related to smuggling and trafficking," highlighting the importance of cooperation in border management.

Allegations of Border Construction

Tensions have escalated further as Bangladesh has accused India of attempting to construct fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border, which they claim violates existing bilateral agreements. This allegation has added fuel to the ongoing diplomatic strain between the two countries.

The Broader Context of Political Unrest

The backdrop of these diplomatic exchanges is marked by political instability in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly fled the country and is currently believed to be residing in India. This situation has coincided with a surge in violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh, raising alarms over communal safety and political motives behind these incidents. The Bangladesh government has stated that many of these incidents are politically motivated rather than communal.

Investigative Actions and Community Concerns

In response to claims made by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council regarding over 2,000 incidents of communal violence since Hasina's departure, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' press wing confirmed that police investigations are underway. The government asserts that these incidents are largely political, stemming from unrest following student-led protests that led to Hasina's ousting.

The ongoing diplomatic frictions and internal strife within Bangladesh underscore a complex relationship between the two neighboring countries, necessitating careful navigation of their diplomatic engagements moving forward.

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