Bangladesh has formally expressed concern to India following remarks made by an Indian political figure during a public event, describing the comments as harmful to bilateral trust and regional harmony.
According to officials in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner on Tuesday to convey a diplomatic protest. At the same time, Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi delivered a written note urging Indian authorities to take appropriate steps regarding the incident.
The remarks in question were delivered at a political gathering in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. Bangladeshi officials stated that the comments referenced religious issues inside Bangladesh and were perceived as misleading and inflammatory. While the Bangladeshi government did not repeat the remarks publicly, it emphasized that such statements could encourage misunderstanding between neighboring nations.
In a statement, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the country’s constitutional commitment to secularism and equal rights for all citizens. Officials highlighted that Bangladesh regularly investigates and prosecutes incidents of communal violence and does not tolerate discrimination based on religion or ethnicity.
Indian authorities acknowledged receipt of Bangladesh’s communication. Sources familiar with the matter said the Indian government views the comments as those of an individual speaker rather than official policy. India has repeatedly stated its intention to maintain stable and cooperative relations with Bangladesh under its broader regional diplomacy framework.
Political leaders within India also sought to distance their parties from the remarks, stressing the importance of respectful dialogue and responsible public discourse. Analysts note that while such incidents occasionally create diplomatic friction, both countries have a long history of resolving disagreements through formal channels.
Bangladesh and India share close economic, cultural, and strategic ties, including cooperation on trade, security, and regional development. Observers say the swift diplomatic engagement reflects both governments’ interest in preventing isolated incidents from escalating into broader disputes.
As of Wednesday, no further actions had been announced, but officials on both sides indicated that diplomatic communication remains ongoing.
