Dhaka summons Indian diplomat to protest ‘anti-Bangladesh remarks’ made by Assam CM

The Bangladesh government on Thursday summoned acting Indian High Commissioner Pawan Badhe to protest what it described as “anti-Bangladesh remarks” made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

It was unclear what remarks made by Sarma had led to the action by Dhaka.

Director General (South Asia) Ishrat Jahan conveyed Dhaka’s position on the matter to Badhe during a meeting at the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Daily Star quoted an unidentified official as saying.

Dhaka described Sarma’s remarks as “disparaging” to bilateral relations and expressed its displeasure to New Delhi, The Times of India reported.

No statement was issued after the meeting.

Sarma’s recent comments

The Indian High Commissioner was summoned weeks after Sarma’s interview to Indian channel ABP News that was broadcast on April 15, in which he commented about relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, and security concerns.

“We like it when India-Bangladesh relations are not good,” Sarma said during the interview. “Because when relations are good, the Indian government also does not want to push back [undocumented migrants]. Therefore, people of Assam feel good when there is a hostile atmosphere between India and Bangladesh…When there is a friendly atmosphere, all things become loose.”

He added: “I always pray to God that the situation that the India-Bangladesh relationship should not improve. Then the BSF [Border Security Force] is...

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