India Advises Diplomats' Dependents to Return from Bangladesh Over Security Concerns

India has decided to withdraw the families and dependents of its diplomats posted in Bangladesh amid rising security concerns linked to increased extremist activity in the country. The precautionary move comes just weeks ahead of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, a period often marked by heightened political tension and unrest.

Sources said that dependents of officials posted at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and other diplomatic posts have been advised to return to India. They clarified that the Indian mission and all its consulates in Bangladesh will continue to function normally and remain fully operational despite the decision.

A “non-family” posting is considered one of the strictest security measures in diplomatic practice and is usually imposed when a country or location is assessed as unstable or potentially hazardous. At present, there is no official clarity on the timeline for the withdrawal of families or whether and when they may be allowed to return.

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Apart from its High Commission in Dhaka, India maintains diplomatic posts in Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet. Security at these missions has reportedly been reviewed in recent weeks amid concerns over law and order and the safety of foreign personnel.

India-Bangladesh relations have remained strained since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed power in 2024 following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina administration. Both countries have since increased security around diplomatic premises, particularly in the wake of protests and political instability.

New Delhi has also repeatedly raised concerns over violence against minorities in Bangladesh, especially attacks on Hindus and their properties. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to witness a “disturbing pattern” of attacks on minorities, adding that dismissing such incidents as personal or political disputes only emboldens perpetrators and deepens fear and insecurity within vulnerable communities.

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