India Recalls Diplomats’ Families from Bangladesh, Citing Security Concerns

New Delhi/Dhaka: India has recalled the families of its diplomats posted in Bangladesh, citing security considerations, a move that has prompted a sharp response from the country’s interim government.

The decision comes just weeks ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections scheduled for February 12. While India has described the step as a precautionary security measure, Dhaka has questioned both its timing and necessity.

Addressing a press conference at the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Tauhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the interim government, said there was no concrete security situation in Bangladesh that would warrant such a move. “There is no situation in Bangladesh that indicates any threat to Indian officials or their families,” he said.

Hossain acknowledged that the decision falls within India’s sovereign rights, noting that New Delhi is free to recall its diplomats or their families at any time. However, he stressed that no clear security justification had been communicated. “We have not received any formal intimation from India citing security concerns. It is possible India has its own apprehensions or is sending a message, but I do not see any obvious reason behind this decision,” he added.

A former Deputy High Commissioner to India, Hossain reiterated that Bangladesh would raise no objection if Indian diplomats chose to send their families back. “If they want to do this, we cannot intervene,” he said.

India had last week pointed to rising incidents of violence and security-related concerns as the basis for recalling diplomats’ families. The decision applies to all Indian missions in Bangladesh, including the High Commission in Dhaka and consulates in Khulna, Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet.

Despite the move, Indian officials have clarified that all five missions continue to function normally. India has also designated its Bangladesh postings as non-family assignments until further notice.