The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to India, Md. Nural Islam, to express concerns over repeated negative remarks by Bangladeshi authorities regarding India.

In an official statement, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India, Md. Nural Islam, was summoned to the South Block today, February 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. It was conveyed that India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, which has been reiterated several times in recent high-level meetings. However, it is regrettable that regular statements made by Bangladeshi authorities continue to portray India negatively, holding us responsible for internal governance issues. These statements by Bangladesh are, in fact, responsible for the persistent negativity.”

Jaiswal further clarified that comments attributed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were made in her individual capacity and that India has no role in them. “Conflating this with the Government of India’s position will not help foster positivity in bilateral relations. While India will continue efforts for a mutually beneficial relationship, we expect Bangladesh to reciprocate without vitiating the atmosphere,” he added.

The summoning came a day after Bangladesh lodged a “strong protest” with India over remarks made by Hasina, particularly concerning the alleged recent vandalism of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Hasina’s statements as “false and fabricated” and described her activities while in exile in India as a “hostile act.”

In a protest note handed to the Acting High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh expressed “deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservations” over Hasina’s remarks, which it claimed were inciting instability. A statement from the Bangladeshi foreign ministry noted, “Such activities by her are considered a hostile act towards Bangladesh and are not conducive to the efforts at establishing a healthy relationship between the two countries.” Dhaka also urged India to prevent Hasina from making further statements, emphasizing mutual respect and historical ties between the nations.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues to witness large-scale violence and arson attacks targeting properties linked to Hasina and her Awami League party. Protesters have torched and ransacked the homes of Awami League leaders across the country, and murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman have been defaced in nearly two dozen districts.

On Wednesday night, following Hasina’s live online address, protesters targeted the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In Dhaka, Awami League Presidium Member Sheikh Selim’s house in Banani was set on fire early Friday morning. Fire services faced delays in reaching the site due to security concerns, according to United News of Bangladesh (UNB).

A day after the attack on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Dhanmondi-32 residence, protesters in Noakhali’s Companiganj ransacked and torched the house of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. The Daily Star reported that the attack damaged a two-story building and tin-roofed rooms belonging to Quader’s younger brother Abdul Quader Mirza and former mayor Shahadat Mirza. A car parked outside was also set ablaze.

Sheikh Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after fleeing Bangladesh following a massive student-led uprising that ended her Awami League’s 16-year rule. While her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is widely regarded as Bangladesh’s independence hero, growing resentment towards Hasina has impacted his legacy.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants against Hasina and several of her former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and officials for “crimes against humanity and genocide.”