Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy Over Assam CM’s ‘Derogatory’ Remarks

30/04/2026

DHAKA, Apr 30: Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday summoned India’s Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pawan Badhe, to formally convey its concerns over recent remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

During the meeting, Director General for South Asia Ishrat Jahan communicated Dhaka’s position, describing the comments as “disparaging” and inconsistent with the spirit of Bangladesh-India relations, an official confirmed.

The remarks in question were made during an interview with India’s ABP News aired on April 15, in which Sarma stated that he hoped bilateral relations would not “improve further,” referencing past dynamics.

Tensions were further heightened by a post shared by the Assam chief minister on April 26, in a post on X, Himanta CM of Assam said, "Rude people don't understand soft language. We continuously remind ourselves of this prophetic line when we expel infiltrators from Assam who don't leave themselves. For instance, these 20 illegal Bangladeshis who were PUSHED BACK last night."

Bangladesh expressed its displeasure over the statements and underscored the importance of maintaining mutual respect in bilateral engagement.