India Raises Concerns Over Extremist Activities in Bangladesh Amid Protest Plans

India has summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to address concerns regarding extremist activities linked to a planned protest march in Dhaka. The march, organized by July Oikyo Mancho, demands the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Meanwhile, the Union government reported significant actions against Left-wing extremism, including numerous fatalities and surrenders. Additionally, the Delhi government announced compensation for construction workers affected by pollution-related restrictions. Pakistan has also extended its airspace closure to Indian airlines, further complicating regional relations. Read on for more details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 19:31 IST

India's Diplomatic Concerns

India has summoned the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, M Riaz Hamidullah, to voice its apprehensions regarding the actions of extremist groups ahead of a planned protest march targeting the Indian mission in Dhaka. This demonstration, organized by a faction known as July Oikyo Mancho, is calling for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India stated that it “strongly rejects the misleading narrative being propagated by extremist factions concerning recent occurrences in Bangladesh.”

India has urged the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to guarantee the protection of foreign missions and diplomatic posts within Bangladesh.

On Sunday, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express its “serious concern” regarding alleged remarks made by Hasina, who resigned and fled to India in August 2024 following protests against her administration.

Union Government's Report on Extremism

The Union government informed Parliament that 335 individuals identified as “Left-wing extremists” were killed in 2025. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai reported that 2,167 others had surrendered, and 942 Left-wing extremists were apprehended this year.

Since 2014, the government has recorded 1,841 fatalities among such individuals, with over 16,000 arrests and 9,588 surrenders.

The Union government has committed to eradicating Maoism by March 31, 2026.

During this year's anti-Maoist operations, a prominent Maoist leader, Madvi Hidma, was killed, while Vikas Nagpure alias Anant and Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupathi, surrendered.

Human rights organizations and opposition parties have raised concerns regarding some of the killings of alleged Maoists, claiming they may constitute “fake encounters.”

Delhi Government's Compensation for Workers

The Delhi government has announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 for construction workers who are currently unemployed due to pollution-related restrictions. This payment will be available only to workers registered with the government, as stated by Labour Minister Kapil Mishra.

Workers in hospitals, pollution control departments, the fire department, and other essential services will not be eligible for this compensation scheme.

Delhi has been under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan since Saturday, which mandates a complete halt to construction activities for both public and private projects.

Pakistan Extends Airspace Closure

Pakistan has prolonged the closure of its airspace to Indian airlines and aircraft for an additional month, now set to last until January 23. This airspace was initially closed to Indian airlines on April 24, following an attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

In response, India closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines on April 30. Since then, both nations have periodically extended these restrictions.

While Indian and Pakistani airlines are prohibited from utilizing each other's airspace, both airspaces remain accessible for overflights by airlines from other countries.