Bangladesh Calls Alleged Breach at High Commission ‘Highly Regrettable’ as India Dismisses Claims as ‘Propaganda’

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly rejected allegations of a security breach at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, dismissing the claims as “propaganda” even as Dhaka characterized the alleged incident as “highly regrettable.”

The diplomatic tension emerged after reports circulated that Indian security personnel had entered the Bangladesh High Commission premises on Tuesday. The incident allegedly occurred amid the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this month.

“We have seen propaganda regarding an alleged breach in the security of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in an official statement on Wednesday. “These claims are completely baseless and false.”

The Indian government emphasized that it maintains appropriate security measures at all diplomatic missions in accordance with international protocols. Jaiswal reiterated that India has consistently upheld its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which governs diplomatic privileges and immunities.

However, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry offered a contrasting perspective, describing the alleged incident as concerning. “If verified, such an entry would constitute a serious violation of diplomatic norms,” a senior Bangladesh foreign ministry official told reporters in Dhaka, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official added that the matter had been formally communicated to Indian authorities through diplomatic channels, calling the purported breach “highly regrettable” and requesting a thorough investigation.

This diplomatic friction comes at a particularly sensitive time in India-Bangladesh relations. Following weeks of student-led protests that culminated in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure to India on August 5, Bangladesh is now under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The political transition has created uncertainty in bilateral relations between the neighboring countries. India had maintained close ties with the Hasina administration for 15 years, cooperating on issues ranging from security to economic development and infrastructure projects.

Regional security experts note that diplomatic facilities often become focal points during political transitions. “The security of diplomatic missions takes on heightened importance during periods of political change,” explained Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a South Asian geopolitical analyst at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi.

“Even perceived breaches can escalate tensions, particularly when bilateral relations are in flux,” Kumar added.

The incident also highlights the delicate balancing act India faces in adapting to Bangladesh’s new political reality. New Delhi has officially welcomed the interim government while emphasizing the importance of protecting the Hindu minority population in Bangladesh, which has reportedly faced attacks following Hasina’s departure.

Economic stakes in this diplomatic relationship remain significant. India-Bangladesh bilateral trade exceeded $15 billion in 2022-23, making Bangladesh India’s largest trading partner in South Asia. Several major infrastructure projects, including energy pipelines and railway connections, have been developed under agreements signed during Hasina’s tenure.

Financial markets in both countries have shown sensitivity to the political developments. The Bangladesh stock exchange experienced volatility following the government change, while Indian companies with significant Bangladesh exposure have seen share price fluctuations.

The interim government in Dhaka has indicated its commitment to maintaining positive relations with all neighbors, including India. Muhammad Yunus stated in his first address that Bangladesh would pursue “balanced and mutually beneficial foreign relations.”

Diplomatic observers suggest that both nations have compelling reasons to resolve differences quickly. “Neither country benefits from prolonged diplomatic tensions,” said Shamsher M. Chowdhury, former Bangladesh Foreign Secretary, in a recent interview. “The economic interdependence and shared regional challenges necessitate maintaining constructive dialogue.”

As the situation develops, both countries are expected to engage in further diplomatic communications to address the alleged incident and reaffirm their commitment to diplomatic protocols and bilateral relations.