Security Alert in Dhaka

 

Security Alert in Dhaka: Protesters Attempt to Storm Indian High Commission Amid Rising Diplomatic Tension

DHAKA / NEW DELHI — The Indian High Commission in Dhaka was the target of a high-intensity protest on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, as hundreds of agitators attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the diplomatic mission. The incident has triggered a sharp diplomatic response from New Delhi, leading to the temporary closure of Indian visa services in the Bangladeshi capital.

The Incident: Siege at the Diplomatic Enclave

A group operating under the banner of "July Oikyo Mancho" (July Unity) organized a massive march towards the Indian High Commission located in the Baridhara diplomatic zone. The protesters, demanding the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, engaged in a standoff with local law enforcement.

 * Breach Attempt: Demonstrators successfully dismantled the first layer of police barricades and attempted to push through a secondary human wall formed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

 * Hostile Rhetoric: Videos from the scene showed protest leaders issuing threats to enter the mission premises, citing "Indian imperialism" and alleged interference in domestic politics.

 * Visa Center Shutdown: Following the escalation, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park was abruptly shut down at 2:00 PM for the safety of staff and applicants.

India’s Diplomatic Response

In response to the security threat, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner, M. Riaz Hamidullah, in New Delhi to register a "strong protest."

> "India expects the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations," the MEA stated, rejecting what it called a "false narrative" being spread by extremist elements.

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The MEA emphasised that the security environment in Dhaka has become increasingly precarious for Indian officials, citing recent inflammatory speeches by political figures, such as Hasnat Abdullah of the National Citizen Party (NCP).

Context: Strained Ties

Relations between the two neighbours have remained tense since the August 2024 uprising, which led to Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India. Key points of friction include:

 * Extradition Demands: The interim government and various student groups have consistently demanded that Hasina be returned to face trial for "crimes against humanity."

 * Anti-India Rhetoric: Recent speeches by NCP leaders have threatened to support separatist movements in India’s Northeast if the current political transition in Bangladesh is destabilised.

 * Security of Minorities: Continued concerns from New Delhi regarding the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

Current Status

While the protest was eventually contained by police, security around all Indian installations in Bangladesh has been significantly beefed up. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry described the summoning of its envoy as a "normal diplomatic practice" but acknowledged the prevailing tension.

Rashmi Ranjan