India Orders Evacuation of Diplomats’ Families from Bangladesh

India has decided to withdraw the families of its diplomats from Bangladesh and designate the country a “non-family” posting due to growing security concerns, officials familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The move comes amid heightened fears over the safety of Indian personnel and their dependents in the face of threats from extremist and radical elements.
As a precautionary step, dependents of officials posted at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and four Assistant High Commissions in Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet have been advised to return to India. However, all five diplomatic missions will continue to operate at full strength, the officials said.
“There have been persistent concerns about the security environment and the safety of diplomats’ families. This decision is purely a precautionary measure,” one official said, requesting anonymity. There was no immediate clarity on when all families are expected to leave or how many officials are currently posted in Bangladesh.
A “non-family” posting is considered one of the most stringent security classifications in India’s diplomatic service. At present, Pakistan remains a “no children” posting for Indian diplomats, although spouses are allowed to accompany officials there.
Officials said the situation in Bangladesh has become increasingly sensitive due to threats from radical groups and what New Delhi perceives as the interim government’s failure to curb extremist activities. India has also accused the authorities in Dhaka of not doing enough to protect religious minorities—an allegation Bangladesh has rejected.
India–Bangladesh relations have sharply deteriorated since the caretaker administration led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office in August 2024. Both countries have stepped up security at their respective missions following protests in recent weeks, including a violent demonstration outside the Indian mission in Chattogram last month.
Despite the diplomatic strain, India has begun outreach efforts toward the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is widely expected to emerge as the largest party in the general election scheduled for February 12. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently attended the funeral of former prime minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia and met her son, Tarique Rahman—moves seen as part of a tentative effort to improve ties with a future political leadership in Dhaka.
For now, Indian officials say the withdrawal of diplomats’ families is a temporary security-driven measure, even as New Delhi continues to closely monitor developments in Bangladesh.