India has decided to bring back the families and dependents of its diplomats posted in Bangladesh due to growing security concerns in the country. The decision comes at a sensitive time, just weeks before Bangladesh is set to hold its parliamentary elections. According to official sources, the move has been taken as a precautionary step in view of the increasing activities of extremist elements and the overall security situation.

Sources said, “Given the security situation, as a precautionary measure, we have advised the dependents of our officials in the high commission and other posts to return to India.” They also clarified that despite this decision, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and all other diplomatic posts in Bangladesh will continue to remain open and fully operational.

India currently has its High Commission in Dhaka and additional diplomatic posts in Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet. The advisory applies to families and dependents of officials posted at all these locations. However, there is no clear information yet on when exactly the families will be withdrawn or whether they will be sent back to India in a phased manner. It is also not clear when or if they will return to Bangladesh.

A “non-family” posting is considered one of the strictest security measures taken by a country. Such postings are usually implemented when a location is viewed as unstable or potentially dangerous. While Indian officials will continue their duties in Bangladesh, their families will not stay there during this period.

The decision comes at a time when India-Bangladesh relations have been under strain. Tensions have increased since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus came to power in 2024, following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina regime. Since then, both countries have stepped up security at their diplomatic missions amid ongoing protests and unrest.

Concerns have also grown over incidents of violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. According to reports, such violence has increased after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi on December 12. India has raised this issue with the Bangladeshi authorities and urged them to take firm action against communal violence.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed serious concern over the situation. He said, “We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities as well as their homes and businesses by extremists.” India has repeatedly highlighted this issue in official briefings and discussions with Bangladesh.

New Delhi has also pointed out what it describes as a troubling approach by Bangladeshi authorities in explaining these incidents. India has noted a tendency to attribute such violence to personal rivalries, political differences, or other external reasons. On this, Jaiswal stated that “such disregard only emboldens the perpetrators” and creates further fear and insecurity among minority communities.

He further added, “We have repeatedly addressed this issue in earlier briefings and continue to see a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities, their homes, and businesses by extremists in Bangladesh.” India has called on Bangladesh to firmly and responsibly deal with these incidents to ensure safety and stability.

While the withdrawal of diplomats’ families signals serious concern, India has made it clear that its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh remains unchanged and operational. The move is being seen purely as a precautionary step in response to the current security environment.