Dhaka: India has asked the families and dependents of its diplomats stationed in Bangladesh to return home, citing growing security concerns linked to increased extremist activity in the country, official sources said on Tuesday.
The precautionary step comes ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary elections, a period that has historically seen heightened political tension. Sources familiar with the decision said the advisory applies to dependents of Indian officials posted at the High Commission in Dhaka as well as other Indian missions across the country.
“Considering the prevailing security environment, dependents of officials have been advised to travel back to India as a safety measure,” sources told PTI, adding that India’s diplomatic missions in Bangladesh remain fully functional. The High Commission and consulates will continue their operations, with officials staying on in a so-called “non-family” capacity.
Such postings are typically introduced in locations assessed as sensitive or unstable and are among the strongest security-related steps taken by the government to protect its personnel.
There has been no official word on the timeline for the withdrawal of families or clarity on when they might be allowed to return. India currently maintains diplomatic offices not only in Dhaka but also in Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet.
The decision reflects broader strains in India-Bangladesh relations since the formation of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus in 2024, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina administration. In recent months, both countries have tightened security around their diplomatic premises amid protests and sporadic violence.
New Delhi has also repeatedly expressed concern over a rise in attacks targeting minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. The issue gained renewed attention after the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi on December 12, which was followed by reports of communal unrest.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has described the situation as worrying, pointing to what he called a recurring pattern of assaults on minority communities, their homes and businesses. He also criticised attempts to downplay such incidents by attributing them to personal disputes or political rivalries, warning that such explanations risk encouraging further violence.
India, officials said, remains engaged with Bangladeshi authorities on security-related issues while closely monitoring developments on the ground as the election period approaches.
