India Summons Bangladesh Envoy Second Time In A Week Amidst Soaring Tensions

New Delhi: India summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for the second time in a week, amidst growing concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. India summoned the Bangladesh envoy after a series of incidents targeting Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India, raising concerns over the safety and security of diplomatic personnel. Reportedly, the brutal murder of 27-year-old factory worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten to death and set on fire by a mob in Mymensingh, was raised before the Bangladesh envoy. 

The Ministry of External Affairs' decision to summon the High Commissioner explained India's strong condemnation of the incident and its demand for accountability from Bangladesh. As tensions escalated, protests have erupted across India, with Hindu organisations and minority groups demanding justice for Das and stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities in Bangladesh.

Dipu Chandra Das was mercilessly killed by a mob in Bangladesh's Mymensingh on December 18. The incident has triggered global concern, with minority groups in Bangladesh and India calling for strong action against the perpetrators. In Kolkata, members of Bangiyo Hindu Jagran and other Hindu organisations staged a protest near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, condemning the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. However, the protest turned violent, with police resorting to a brutal lathi charge to disperse the crowd, leaving multiple protesters injured. 

Similar protests were held in Mumbai, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Hyderabad, with the demonstrators demanding justice for Das and greater protection for minorities in Bangladesh.

Earlier, the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express Dhaka's concern over the incidents outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the High Commissioner's residence in New Delhi on December 20, as well as vandalism at the Visa Centre in Siliguri on December 22. These acts were attributed to various extremist elements, the ministry stated.

The latest diplomatic row follows violent anti-India protests in several parts of Bangladesh, which have led to concerns over the security of Indian diplomatic missions in the country. Earlier, the Indian government's decision to summon the Bangladesh High Commissioner led to a tit-for-tat response, with Bangladesh summoning India's High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, to express concerns over protests outside its diplomatic missions in India.

In the meantime, Bangladesh's Interim Government has condemned the killing and assured the victim's family of support, with Education Adviser CR Abrar visiting the family in Mymensingh. The government has also announced financial assistance to the family and promised a thorough investigation.