India has initiated the evacuation of diplomatic families and dependents from Bangladesh citing heightened security concerns ahead of the country’s February 12 general election. The decision comes amid escalating bilateral tensions that have strained relations between the South Asian neighbors.
According to an anonymous Indian official speaking on Wednesday, the withdrawal constitutes part of ‘internal readjustments’ in response to security threats. The move follows India’s December summons of Bangladesh’s high commissioner to express concerns about deteriorating security conditions, particularly regarding threats against the Indian mission in Dhaka.
The current political climate in Bangladesh has been volatile since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India in 2024 following deadly protests that forced her departure. Campaigning for the upcoming election begins Thursday, already triggering demonstrations and counter-protests across the nation.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has consistently demanded Hasina’s extradition while simultaneously dismissing India’s concerns about violence targeting minority Hindu communities. Neither country’s foreign ministry has provided immediate commentary on the evacuation decision, and the timeline for families’ return remains unspecified.
This development marks a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations, reflecting the ongoing political instability surrounding Bangladesh’s electoral process and the unresolved status of its former leader.