Two Bangladeshi diplomats stationed in India have been dismissed from their positions following recent political upheaval in Bangladesh. The decision, enacted by the caretaker government in Dhaka, was effective as of August 17. Shaban Mahmud, First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, and Ranjan Sen, also a First Secretary (Press) at the consulate in Kolkata, were both instructed to leave their posts prematurely. Mahmud was asked to vacate his role before the end of his contract, while Sen was relieved of his duties before his contract was set to conclude in 2026.
The diplomatic dismissals occur amid heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh, triggered by the recent political turmoil in Dhaka. The situation escalated following the resignation and subsequent departure of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who fled to India on August 5. Hasina’s departure came in response to a significant student-led uprising and political unrest in Bangladesh, leading to her resignation and escape.
The caretaker government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has revoked Hasina’s diplomatic passport, putting her at risk of extradition under the existing treaty between Bangladesh and India. The revocation of her diplomatic status, coupled with the 51 legal cases she faces, including 42 for murder, has complicated her situation further. According to Bangladeshi news reports, Hasina now possesses no other passport besides the revoked diplomatic one, which further jeopardizes her status.
In response to the growing tensions and security concerns, India recently withdrew “non-essential” staff and families of diplomats from its High Commission in Dhaka. This move highlights the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries amid the ongoing crisis.
Hasina, who has been in India for nearly three weeks, has yet to publicly comment on her future plans. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed ‘Joy,’ who is based in the United States, has suggested that she may remain in India for an extended period. Meanwhile, earlier speculation that she might seek asylum in another country, such as the UK, has been met with skepticism. A British government spokesperson indicated that her asylum request is unlikely to be accepted.
The diplomatic dismissals and the broader political crisis underscore the escalating tensions and uncertainty in the region, with significant implications for both Bangladesh’s internal stability and its international relations.
