Amid rising anti-India protests and security concerns in Bangladesh, the Indian government has advised families of its diplomats and officials to return home temporarily. Diplomatic missions remain fully operational as the situation continues to be closely monitored.
India Advises Families of Diplomats to Leave Bangladesh
New Delhi: Amid rising security concerns and threats of violence targeting Indian establishments in Bangladesh, the Government of India has advised the families of Indian diplomats and officials stationed in the country to return home as a precautionary step. The decision reflects growing unease over the safety environment, even as official diplomatic operations continue without disruption.
According to official sources, the advisory was issued in view of the evolving security situation in Bangladesh. While no immediate evacuation of diplomats themselves has been ordered, the families and dependents of Indian mission and post officials have been asked to return to India temporarily. Authorities emphasized that this move is preventive in nature and aimed at ensuring the safety of non-essential personnel.
An official source stated that despite the advisory, the Indian High Commission and all consulates in Bangladesh remain fully operational and functional, continuing their work at full strength.
Sources indicate that the decision was influenced by recent anti-India protests in Bangladesh, some of which were seen escalating beyond peaceful demonstrations. Officials fear that these protests could potentially spiral out of control, posing risks to Indian diplomatic premises and personnel.
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The advisory is not permanent and will be reviewed based on future developments. “This is for the time being and will be assessed again as the situation evolves,” an official said on condition of anonymity.
The security advisory also comes against the backdrop of Bangladesh officially acknowledging 645 incidents involving minorities in 2025. While the Bangladeshi government has downplayed the communal nature of these incidents, concerns remain, especially following reports of violence and killings involving members of the Hindu community. These developments have added to India’s broader assessment of the security climate.
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In India’s neighbourhood, Afghanistan remains the only non-family posting for Indian officials due to extreme security risks. In contrast, diplomats posted in Pakistan are officially permitted to take their families along. However, many choose not to, following government advisories issued after the 2014 Peshawar school attack, particularly discouraging the enrollment of children in local schools.
The advisory for Bangladesh signals India’s cautious diplomatic approach, balancing engagement with the safety of its personnel.
