India Withdraws Families of Diplomats and Officials from Bangladesh Ahead of 12 February Elections
New Delhi / Dhaka — In a precautionary move citing evolving security concerns in neighbouring Bangladesh, the Government of India has advised the families and dependents of its diplomats and other officials posted across Bangladesh to return to India ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026. The decision, announced on 20–21 January 2026, reflects heightened political tensions and law-and-order uncertainties as Bangladesh prepares for a high-stakes national poll. (@mathrubhumi)
Scope of the Advisory
The advisory applies to dependents of Indian diplomats and personnel serving at the following posts in Bangladesh:
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka,
The Assistant High Commissions in Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet. (Daily Times Of Bangladesh)
Official sources emphasised that this is a precautionary measure, not an evacuation. The Indian missions in Bangladesh will remain open and fully operational, with diplomatic and consular functions continuing as usual. (Hindustan Times)
Diplomats and officials themselves are expected to remain in their postings to manage ongoing bilateral engagement and ensure continuity of diplomatic functions, with only family members being advised to relocate temporarily. (Daily Times Of Bangladesh)
Security Context Behind the Decision
The advisory comes amid rising concerns over potential instability in Bangladesh during the election period. Although authorities have not disclosed specific threats, the political climate is widely understood to be volatile due to several factors:
Anti-India sentiment and protests have escalated in some regions of Bangladesh following incidents last year, including the death of a political activist and subsequent demonstrations that targeted diplomatic facilities, prompting temporary closures of some Indian visa and consular centres. (ThePrint)
Reports of increased law-and-order challenges during campaign rallies have heightened regional diplomatic caution, especially as the countdown to elections tightens.
Some international missions, including European countries’ diplomatic establishments, have reportedly already moved dependents out of Bangladesh in anticipation of unrest. (Views Bangladesh)
In diplomatic terminology, the move effectively designates Bangladesh as a “non-family” posting for Indian diplomats — one of the more stringent safety categorizations used by India, similar to such designations in inherently volatile postings elsewhere. (Daily Times Of Bangladesh)
Political Backdrop in Bangladesh
The 2026 general elections mark the first parliamentary poll exercise in Bangladesh since the constitutional and political turmoil that began in August 2024, when then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and took refuge in India amid mass uprisings. This triggered a constitutional crisis and led to the formation of an interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. (Wikipedia)
The elections have been framed as pivotal in determining Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory in the post-Hasina era, and they are expected to be closely contested amid calls from major parties for political reforms. (ThePrint)
India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations
Although India and Bangladesh have traditionally shared close cultural and economic ties, relations have experienced periodic friction in recent years, particularly over issues of security, protection of minority communities, and political narratives ahead of the elections. India has publicly pressed Dhaka on maintaining the safety of minorities and diplomatic staff. (ThePrint)
New Delhi’s proactive diplomatic engagement in recent weeks — including outreach to key opposition leaders in Bangladesh — signals effort to maintain channels of communication even as it safeguards its personnel and dependents. (Daily Times Of Bangladesh)
What This Means Going Forward
The advisory for families to return to India is a standard security posture adopted by foreign missions ahead of potentially volatile elections worldwide. It is intended to protect non-essential personnel and reduce diplomatic vulnerabilities without interrupting official duties.
As Bangladesh approaches the 12 February polls, the situation will continue to be monitored closely by both governments to balance diplomatic engagement with security preparedness.