India summons Bangladesh envoy, denies involvement in Hasina’s alleged remarks

India�s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh�s Acting High Commissioner to India, Md Nural Islam, on Wednesday (7 February), expressing concern over recent statements by Bangladeshi authorities that "portray India negatively."

The move underscores growing diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring nations.  

MEA Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal stated that the summoning took place at South Block in New Delhi at 5 PM. "It was conveyed that India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, which has been reiterated several times in recent high-level meetings," Jaiswal said.  

However, he expressed regret over what he described as "regular statements made by Bangladesh authorities" that continue to hold India responsible for internal governance issues. "These statements by Bangladesh are in fact responsible for the persistent negativity," Jaiswal added.  

The MEA also clarified that comments attributed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, made during a virtual address to her party activists, were in her "individual capacity" and do not reflect the Indian government�s position. "Conflating this with the Government of India's position is not going to help add positivity to bilateral relations," Jaiswal emphasized.  

The summoning comes amid a wave of vandalism across Bangladesh targeting establishments and installations linked to Awami League leaders. The interim government has blamed Hasina�s "provocative statements" from India for inciting public anger, which it claims led to the widespread unrest.  

Speaking at a press briefing, the Chief Adviser�s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad, accused India of sharing responsibility for the recent acts of vandalism, including the attack on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman�s residence at Dhanmondi 32. "Sheikh Hasina, facing genocide charges and an arrest warrant from the International Crimes Tribunal, is inciting violence from India. Following the warrant's issuance, Bangladesh also issued a note verbale to India, but no response has been received yet," Azad said.  

He further alleged that India�s inaction has fueled instability in Bangladesh. "This lack of reaction has fueled instability in the country due to Hasina�s statements from there [India]," Azad added.  

The MEA, however, reiterated India�s commitment to fostering a positive relationship with Bangladesh. "While the Government of India will make efforts for a mutually beneficial relationship, we expect that Bangladesh will reciprocate similarly without vitiating the atmosphere," Jaiswal said.  

The diplomatic row highlights the delicate nature of India-Bangladesh relations, which have been historically close but are currently strained over internal political developments in Bangladesh. The interim government�s allegations and India�s response underscore the challenges both nations face in maintaining constructive dialogue amid domestic and regional complexities.  

As tensions simmer, both sides are expected to engage in further diplomatic efforts to address the issues and prevent further deterioration of bilateral ties. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the two neighbors can navigate these challenges and restore a cooperative relationship.