Summary:
- Bangladesh has suspended consular services at its Assistant High Commission in Agartala due to a security breach caused by violent protests.
- The attack involved protesters vandalizing the mission’s premises and disrespecting the Bangladeshi national flag, leading to diplomatic tensions.
- In response, Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner, while India assured enhanced security for Bangladeshi missions.
- Agartala police suspended officers for negligence and detained seven suspects involved in the incident.
The Bangladesh government has suspended consular services at its Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, India, following an attack on the mission’s premises. This decision was confirmed by Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain, who cited security concerns as the primary reason for the suspension. As a result, visa services from this mission have been temporarily halted.
The announcement came after an incident on December 2, 2024, when protesters breached the premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. The attack involved violent demonstrations led by members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti, who reportedly broke through the main gate and vandalized property within the compound. The protesters also disrespected the national flag of Bangladesh, leading to significant diplomatic tensions.
In response to the attack, Bangladesh’s interim government summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express their discontent. During a meeting with Acting Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah, Verma emphasized that such incidents should not hinder the multifaceted relationship between India and Bangladesh. He reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining peaceful and constructive relations with Bangladesh.
The Agartala police have taken swift action by suspending three police officers and recalling a Deputy Superintendent of Police for alleged negligence during the incident. Seven individuals suspected of being involved in the attack have been detained. The suspects include residents from various areas in Tripura such as Jhuton Das from Simanta Golchakkar and Ujjal Das from Dashamighat.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the breach and assured that measures are being taken to enhance security at all Bangladeshi diplomatic missions across India. The ministry stressed that diplomatic and consular properties should be protected under all circumstances.
This incident follows a similar pattern of unrest observed on November 28 in Kolkata, where violent protests occurred outside another Bangladeshi diplomatic mission. The Bangladesh government has expressed deep concern over these repeated violations, which they claim contravene the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.
As diplomatic efforts continue to resolve these tensions, both nations have expressed a desire to strengthen their bilateral ties and ensure that such incidents do not impede their longstanding relationship.
