Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Mustafizur Rahman (@IndianArmy)

Bangladesh recalls India envoy Mustafizur Rahman in diplomatic reshuffle

The foreign ministry ordered envoys in Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, New Delhi and the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York to immediately return to Dhaka.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Bangladesh recalls five senior envoys
  • Move comes ahead of national elections in country
  • Mustafizur Rahman had been serving as envoy to India since 2020

Bangladesh's interim government has recalled five envoys, including the High Commissioner to India Mustafizur Rahman, in a major diplomatic reshuffle, a foreign ministry official said on Thursday.

The foreign ministry ordered envoys in Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, New Delhi and the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York to immediately return to the capital, Dhaka, the official added.

The move comes ahead of the national elections in Bangladesh. While the reason behind the recall is unclear, analysts suggest it may be part of the interim government’s efforts to re-align diplomatic priorities during the transition period.

Rahman, who had been serving as Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India since 2020, oversaw a period of close collaboration between the two neighbouring nations, particularly on issues related to trade, connectivity, and regional security. His recall has drawn attention due to the critical nature of Bangladesh-India relations, especially in the context of the recent ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her arrival in India.

The move comes around a time when the south Asian country has witnessed an array of changes. Muhammad Yunus took over as the head of the interim government after protests forced Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India. More than 700 people died as a result of the student-led movement that ousted Hasina, straining ties with India.

It also comes amid attacks on Hindus in the country. Shortly after Hasina's removal, reports regarding attacks on Hindus and temples emerged, leading to protests in the country. Members of the minority community in Bangladesh, witnessed at least 205 attacks after the fall of the Hasina-led government on August 5.