India to recall diplomats’ families from Bangladesh

India has decided to withdraw all family members and dependents of diplomats and other officials from the High Commission of India and other missions in Bangladesh, PTI reported yesterday, citing official sources.

The move comes ahead of the February 12 elections.

“Given the security situation, as a precautionary measure, we have advised the dependents of our officials in the high commission and posts to return to India,” Indian officials said.

Indian diplomats, however, said that the High Commission in Dhaka and all posts in Bangladesh would continue to operate at “full strength.”

Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in 2024 toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, considered a close ally of New Delhi.

According to The Hindu, Indian missions have faced heightened security threats in Bangladesh, especially after the December 12 shooting of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Reports suggesting that Hadi’s attackers had fled to India further increased tensions.

On December 17, July Oikya Mancho, a student group, called for a march to the Indian High Commission, prompting India to summon Bangladesh’s high commissioner. The rally took place later that day but was stopped at a considerable distance from the high commission.

India reminded Bangladesh’s interim government that ensuring the safety and security of Indian missions and posts is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government.