India to withdraw diplomats' families from Bangladesh over security reasons
There was no clarity on when the diplomats' families are expected to return. The people declined to provide details on the number of diplomats in Bangladesh due to security concerns
India has decided to make Bangladesh a "non-family" posting for its diplomats due to security concerns, Hindustan Times reported last night (20 January) citing sources. 0
However, all five diplomatic missions of India in Bangladesh (Dhaka, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chattogram and Khulna) will continue operating at full strength, according to the Hindustan Times.
Meanwhile, no official statement has been issued by the Ministry of External Affairs at the time of filing this report.
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The move had been in the pipeline for some time in view of growing concerns about the safety of diplomats and their families, especially because of threats from extremist and radical elements, people close to the matter said on condition of anonymity.
"As a precautionary measure, we have advised the dependents of officials at the high commission and four Assistant High Commissions to return to India," said a source.
There was no clarity on when the diplomats' families are expected to return home.
Sources said concerns had grown about the safety of the families of Indian officials in Bangladesh because of "threats" from radical and extremist elements and the freedom provided to Pakistani elements by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Hindustan Times reported.
Pakistan, with which India's relations are at an all-time low, is currently a "no children" posting, with only spouses allowed to join Indian officials, it added.
India has repeatedly criticised Bangladesh's interim government for allegedly failing to protect minorities in that country - a charge dismissed by Dhaka.
India-Bangladesh relations have fallen to an all-time low since the caretaker administration assumed office in August 2024, and both sides have stepped up security at their missions in New Delhi and Dhaka following protests in recent weeks. There were violent protests outside the Indian mission in Chattogram last month.
However, the Indian side has reached out to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), widely expected to emerge as the single-largest party in the general election scheduled for 12 February.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar recently represented India at the funeral of former premier and BNP chief Khaleda Zia and met her son and political heir, Tarique Rahman, a move seen as an effort at rapprochement with the party.
