Bangladesh on Tuesday summoned Indian High Commissioner (HC) Pranay Verma and expressed deep concern over attacks and vandalism targeting Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities in New Delhi and Siliguri, describing the incidents as premeditated acts of violence and intimidation. In a statement issued after the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the incidents, saying such acts pose a serious threat to the safety of diplomatic personnel and run counter to the principles of mutual respect, peace and tolerance.
According to official sources, the Indian high commissioner arrived at the foreign ministry at around 9:40am and met Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. The meeting lasted less than five minutes, after which the envoy left the ministry.
The ministry said Bangladesh conveyed its grave concern to the Indian government over the untoward incidents that occurred on December 20 outside the premises and residential area of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, as well as the vandalism carried out by extremist groups at the Bangladesh visa centre in Siliguri on December 22.
Bangladesh also expressed concern over violent protests staged in front of several Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India, calling the developments alarming.
Dhaka urged New Delhi to conduct a full and impartial investigation into the incidents, take effective measures to prevent any recurrence, and ensure the security and safety of Bangladeshi diplomatic missions and related establishments in India.
The foreign ministry said Bangladesh expects the Indian government to take immediate and appropriate steps, in line with international law and diplomatic obligations, to uphold the dignity and security of diplomatic personnel and premises.
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