Dhaka rebukes New Delhi, summons envoy over Assam CM’s ‘hostile’ remarks

Dhaka has issued a sharp diplomatic protest by summoning India’s acting High Commissioner, Pawan Badhe, following controversial remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that Bangladesh says undermine bilateral ties.

Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday called in the Indian envoy, where Director General (South Asia) Ishrat Jahan conveyed Dhaka’s “strong displeasure” over what it described as “disparaging” comments, according to diplomatic sources.

The move marks the first time an Indian envoy has been summoned since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government assumed office in February, signalling rising sensitivities in Dhaka–New Delhi relations.

The diplomatic row stems from a recent interview in which Sarma reportedly said he “prays” that relations between the two neighbours do not improve.

He further claimed that Bangladesh’s internal situation warrants a continued downturn in ties—remarks Dhaka has labelled “objectionable” and potentially damaging.

In its formal protest, the Foreign Ministry warned that such statements risk eroding the long-standing cooperative framework between the two countries and urged Indian authorities to take “appropriate measures” to prevent recurrence.

The episode comes at a delicate time, as Bangladesh and India navigate a range of cross-border issues, including trade frictions, migration concerns, and security coordination.

Analysts say Sarma’s unusually blunt comments could disrupt ongoing cooperation in critical areas such as river water sharing, border management, and regional connectivity.

Diplomatic observers note that while provocative statements by political figures have previously triggered responses, the explicit tone of Sarma’s remarks—openly favouring deteriorating ties—prompted an unusually swift and firm reaction from Dhaka.

Bangladesh and India share deep historical, economic, and cultural linkages, with both sides repeatedly stressing the need for mutual respect in public discourse. Thursday’s démarche underscores Dhaka’s intent to draw a clear line against rhetoric seen as hostile, even as broader bilateral engagement continues.

Officials indicated that maintaining stability in relations will depend not only on formal diplomacy but also on responsible messaging from senior political leaders on both sides of the border.