The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma to convey Dhaka's grave concern over the recent incidents targeting Bangladesh's diplomatic missions and facilities in India.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam called in the envoy around 9:30am, the ministry sources told The Daily Star.
According to the foreign ministry, Bangladesh raised objections over incidents outside the perimeter of the Bangladesh High Commission and the official residence in New Delhi on Saturday as well as acts of vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri yesterday.
Bangladesh also expressed deep concern over violent protests staged outside several of its diplomatic missions in India.
Dhaka condemned what it described as premeditated acts of violence and intimidation against diplomatic establishments, saying such actions endangered the safety of diplomatic personnel and undermined principles of mutual respect, peace and tolerance.
The government urged India to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents, take all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence, and ensure the safety and security of Bangladesh's diplomatic missions and related facilities.
Bangladesh said it expects India to take immediate and appropriate steps, in line with international and diplomatic obligations, to safeguard the dignity and security of diplomatic personnel and establishments.
The missions in New Delhi and Agartala have suspended all consular and visa services amid safety concerns. In Kolkata, a visa application centre operated by a third party appointed by the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, was forced to close following demonstrations.
Several groups protested in front of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, alleging attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Protesters also referred to the killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh last week.
A notice posted on the Bangladesh High Commission premises in New Delhi yesterday said all consular and visa services had been temporarily suspended until further notice due to "unavoidable circumstances".
It added that any inconvenience caused was regretted.