Bangladesh has called in the acting Indian High Commissioner, Pawan Badhe, to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally protest remarks reportedly made by Himanta Biswa Sarma. The move, reported by the Dhaka Tribune, comes after statements linked to the return of individuals from the Indian state of Assam.

The meeting took place on Thursday afternoon, where Bangladeshi officials officially conveyed their objections. During the discussion, Dhaka raised concerns about the tone of recent public statements and stressed the importance of avoiding language that could negatively impact bilateral relations.

The diplomatic response follows comments made by Sarma on April 26, in which he said that 20 foreign nationals had been detained in Assam and later “sent back” to Bangladesh. In a post on X, he suggested that firm action was necessary, referencing the expulsion of what he described as illegal migrants.

Bangladesh has described such statements as unhelpful, warning that they could create unnecessary tension between the two neighbouring countries. The Foreign Ministry, as cited in the report, underscored the need for caution and restraint when addressing sensitive bilateral matters. These developments come at a time when ties between India and Bangladesh remain closely connected, built on shared history, cultural links, and security cooperation dating back to the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Even as both countries continue to advance trade and connectivity initiatives, their relationship is experiencing a phase of adjustment in 2026, influenced by recent political changes in Dhaka. At the same time, the partnership faces ongoing challenges, including concerns around minority safety and occasional diplomatic strains. Despite this, both sides are continuing high-level engagement to manage differences while preserving the broader foundation of cooperation.