Ahead of the February 12 election and referendum, India has withdrawn all family members and dependents of diplomats and other officials from the High Commission of India and other missions located in Bangladesh, official sources said on Tuesday (January 20, 2026), citing prevailing security situation
A source informed that the evacuation of family members and dependents was carried out “given the security situation, as a precautionary measure”. Indian diplomats, however, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and all Posts in Bangladesh continue to operate in ‘full strength’.
Bangladesh says most incidents involving minorities in 2025 were non-communal
Indian missions have been facing heightened security threat in Bangladesh, especially in the aftermath of the December 12, 2025 shooting of Islamist youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The threats started soon after reports and rumours were circulated suggesting that the shooters of Hadi had fled to India like deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
July Oikya Mancho, a radical student group, on December 17, 2025 had called for a march to the Indian High Commission, prompting India to summon High Commissioner of Bangladesh Riaz Hamidullah. The rally took place later on that day though they were stopped at a considerable distance. India had reminded Bangladesh’s interim government that it was the responsibility of the Government of Bangladesh to ensure safety and security of Indian missions and posts.
