Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh summoned over sheltering of anti-Bangladesh elements and assassination of Osman Hadi
Bangladesh has underscored India’s regional responsibility to prevent its territory from being used for activities hostile to Dhaka, as authorities point to an alleged plot to disrupt the forthcoming parliamentary elections and warn of growing public discontent over what is seen as New Delhi’s role in recent instability.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, focusing its concerns on what it described as coordinated attempts by fugitive Awami League figures to undermine the electoral process through violence and intimidation. Central to these concerns is the recent attempted assassination of independent parliamentary aspirant Sharif Osman Hadi in the Dhaka-8 constituency.
Bangladeshi officials, citing media statements, said the attackers are believed to have fled towards India following the incident. Dhaka has formally sought India’s cooperation to ensure the immediate arrest and extradition of the suspects should they enter Indian territory.
MoFA alleged that several fugitive political figures currently based in India are involved in planning, financing and facilitating violent acts inside Bangladesh with the objective of destabilising the country ahead of the polls. The ministry reiterated calls for the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face sentences already passed by Bangladesh’s courts.
The issue has also fuelled wider public unease. Political and civil society circles have voiced discontent over what they describe as India’s continued tolerance of anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitives on its soil. In this context, renewed references have emerged in public discourse to past controversies, including allegations of external involvement in the 2009 Pilkhana (Peelkhana) massacre, further intensifying sensitivities around sovereignty and national security. Indian authorities have not accepted such allegations.
In response to the heightened threat perception, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has strengthened security along the Bangladesh–India border. Officials confirmed increased patrols, enhanced surveillance and tighter checks aimed at preventing suspects from fleeing the country and curbing cross-border movement linked to violent or subversive activities.
During the meeting with the Indian envoy, Bangladesh emphasised that as a neighbouring state, India is expected to play a constructive role by ensuring its territory is not used to sponsor or shelter activities that threaten Bangladesh’s stability or democratic process.
High Commissioner Verma, responding to the concerns, said India looks forward to peaceful and inclusive elections in Bangladesh and reaffirmed New Delhi’s readiness to cooperate on maintaining stability and security.
As the election draws nearer, Bangladeshi authorities have signalled that any attempts to foment violence or interfere in the democratic process—whether domestic or cross-border—will be met with heightened security measures and diplomatic pressure.
