ISLAMABAD: India has escalated its diplomatic posture towards Bangladesh byconverting its High Commission in Dhaka and associated posts into anon-family posting, advising all dependents of diplomats and officials toreturn home immediately due to heightened security threats. This decision,announced on January 20, 2026, reflects New Delhi’s growing apprehensionover the safety of its personnel amid ongoing political instability andtargeted risks in the neighbouring country. Official sources described themove as a precautionary measure, emphasising that it does not affect theoperational strength or functioning of the missions.
The step comes against the backdrop of sharply deteriorating bilateral tiessince the political upheaval in Bangladesh in August 2024, which led to theouster of Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim government underMuhammad Yunus. Relations have been strained by mutual accusations,including concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladeshand perceived interference from India. Recent months have witnessed aseries of tit-for-tat diplomatic actions, including summons of envoys andsuspensions of visa services, further eroding trust between the two SouthAsian neighbours.
Security concerns have intensified particularly ahead of Bangladesh’sscheduled parliamentary elections and referendum on February 12, 2026.Indian officials cited an evolving threat environment, including potentialactivities by extremist elements aimed at Indian diplomatic facilities inDhaka. Reports indicate that threats have been conveyed through variouschannels, prompting New Delhi to adopt one of its strictest protocols foroverseas postings, where families are not permitted to accompany diplomats.
This designation as a non-family posting aligns with India’s standardprocedures in high-risk environments, where the safety of non-essentialpersonnel, especially dependents, takes precedence. Dependents from theHigh Commission in Dhaka and assistant high commissions in Chattogram,Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet have been advised to return to Indiavoluntarily. Despite this, the missions continue to operate at fulldiplomatic capacity, with no reduction in the number of officials orservices provided.
The decision underscores broader anxieties in New Delhi regarding stabilityin Bangladesh. Since the change in government, incidents of violenceagainst minorities, including Hindus, have drawn repeated expressions ofconcern from India. New Delhi has consistently highlighted attacks onminority communities and called for their protection, viewing these asindicators of a deteriorating law and order situation that could spill overinto diplomatic security.
Bangladesh, on its part, has rejected many of these narratives asexaggerated or politically motivated. The interim administration hasaccused certain elements in India of propagating false claims and hasresponded with its own measures, such as temporarily suspending visaservices at missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala in early January2026, citing security issues. These reciprocal actions have disruptedpeople-to-people contacts, trade facilitation, and medical travel,affecting thousands on both sides of the border.
Diplomatic exchanges have become increasingly frosty. In December 2025,India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi twice within aweek to convey strong concerns over threats to its mission in Dhaka.Bangladesh reciprocated by summoning the Indian High Commissioner in Dhakaover alleged incidents near its properties in India. Protests in bothcapitals, including marches towards diplomatic premises, have added to thetension, with authorities in each country accusing the other of failing toensure security.
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Experts note that the current impasse marks a significant departure fromthe previously touted “golden era” of bilateral relations under the Hasinagovernment, characterised by enhanced cooperation in trade, connectivity,and security. The shift has raised fears of long-term implications forregional stability, border management, and economic interdependence. Theshared 4,096-kilometre border remains a critical artery for both nations,yet incidents of fencing disputes and cross-border tensions havecomplicated matters further.
India’s move is also seen as a signal to Dhaka ahead of the upcomingelections. By prioritising personnel safety without downgrading themission, New Delhi aims to maintain engagement while preparing forpotential volatility. Analysts suggest that without concerted efforts tode-escalate, including dialogue on minority protection and mutual securityassurances, relations could face prolonged strain, impacting everythingfrom water-sharing agreements to counter-terrorism cooperation.
The international community has watched these developments closely, giventhe strategic importance of both countries in South Asia. Stability inBangladesh is vital for India’s northeastern region connectivity andbroader regional security architecture. As the situation unfolds, bothsides face the challenge of rebuilding trust amid domestic politicalpressures and external perceptions.
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-bangladesh-withdraws-families-dependents-diplomats-officials-missions-election-february/article70530755.ece
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