By The South Asia Times

DHAKA - Bangladesh has lodged a strong protest with India over what it described as an “unjustifiable” incident outside its High Commission residence in New Delhi, amid growing diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours.

In a statement issued by the foreign ministry, Dhaka said the incident on December 20, during which a group of protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission residence, was “highly regrettable” and unacceptable.

The ministry said the miscreants were allowed to carry out activities just outside the mission’s perimeter, creating panic among diplomatic personnel inside the compound.

According to the statement, the High Commission was not informed in advance about the protest, raising concerns over the security of diplomatic premises.

Dhaka, however, noted India’s assurances and its “commitment” to ensuring the safety and protection of Bangladeshi diplomatic missions across the country.

The protest in New Delhi was reportedly staged by a group demonstrating against developments inside Bangladesh and demanding action over alleged attacks on minorities.

Bangladeshi officials rejected what they described as attempts to portray the incident as part of a wider pattern of violence against minorities.

Bangladesh said an isolated attack on a Bangladeshi citizen, who belongs to the Hindu community, was being misrepresented as a broader communal issue. The government said suspects in that incident were promptly arrested and stressed that communal harmony in the country remains intact.

“The intercommunal situation in Bangladesh is better than in many other parts of South Asia,” the statement said, adding that it is the responsibility of all governments in the region to protect minorities in their respective countries.

Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have remained strained since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following a student-led uprising last year. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition to face trial over alleged crimes, while India has said it is examining the requests.

Tensions have also surfaced domestically. On Thursday, Bangladeshi security forces prevented protesters demanding Hasina’s repatriation from marching toward an Indian diplomatic mission.

The tension further escalated after killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old youth leader and political activist who died days after being shot in the head by unidentified assailants as some political analysts and activists in Bagladesh alleged possible foreign involvement including Indian intelligence agency in Hadi's killing, citing his outspoken criticism of India.