India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to New Delhi to register a formal diplomatic protest over provocative and anti-India remarks made by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah.
The MEA conveyed India’s strong objection to statements that it said were irresponsible and hostile, and raised concerns over their potential impact on bilateral relations.
Controversial Statements at Public Rally
Hasnat Abdullah made the remarks on Monday while addressing a gathering at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar. During his speech, he warned that Bangladesh could shelter separatist and anti-India forces and assist in severing India’s northeastern region, commonly referred to as the “seven sisters”—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
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“We will shelter separatist and anti-India forces and then we will sever the seven sisters from India,” Abdullah said, drawing applause from sections of the audience.
Reference to Sovereignty and External Influence
In his address, Abdullah also said that Bangladesh would respond if India allegedly provided shelter to forces that do not respect Bangladesh’s sovereignty, voting rights, and human rights.
He further claimed that even after 54 years of independence, Bangladesh continued to face attempts by unnamed “vultures” seeking to exert control over the country, without explicitly naming India.
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Diplomatic Sensitivities
The MEA’s decision to summon the Bangladeshi envoy underscores the seriousness with which New Delhi views the remarks, particularly references to threats against India’s territorial integrity and diplomatic presence. Officials indicated that India expects responsible conduct and restraint from political leaders in Bangladesh.
