Dhaka lodges formal protest
Dhaka: In a sign of growing diplomatic unease, Bangladesh has summoned India’s acting High Commissioner to register a formal protest over recent remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the alleged deportation of Bangladeshi nationals. The meeting with acting envoy Pawan Badhe took place at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signaling a serious response from Dhaka.
Row triggered by deportation claims
The controversy stems from Sarma’s statements on April 26, where he claimed that several “foreign nationals” were detained in Assam and sent back across the border. In his remarks, he suggested that strict action was taken after individuals refused to leave voluntarily, comments that quickly drew attention across diplomatic circles.
Bangladesh raises concerns over tone
Bangladeshi officials expressed strong concern over both the content and tone of the statements, describing them as “counterproductive.” They emphasized that such rhetoric could harm mutual trust and urged restraint in public communication on sensitive bilateral matters.
Call for maintaining diplomatic balance
During the meeting, Dhaka stressed the importance of responsible dialogue between the two neighbours, cautioning that public statements on migration and border issues should be handled carefully to avoid unnecessary tensions.
Relations enter sensitive phase
The development comes at a time when ties between India and Bangladesh remain strategically important but increasingly delicate. While cooperation continues in areas such as trade, connectivity, and security, recent political developments and migration-related concerns have added new complexities.
Ongoing engagement despite friction
Despite the current strain, both sides are expected to continue diplomatic engagement to maintain stability in the relationship. Officials from both countries have reiterated the need to preserve long-standing cooperation while addressing emerging challenges through dialogue.
