New Delhi has decided to bring back the families of Indian diplomats and government officials working in Bangladesh, citing security precautions. The decision, reported by India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), comes just weeks before Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. However, India clarified that its High Commission in Dhaka and other missions abroad will remain open. According to PTI, officials advised family members of Indian personnel stationed in Dhaka and other posts to return to India as part of the security alert.

A BBC report stated that India’s Ministry of External Affairs has now classified Bangladesh as a “non-family” posting, placing it alongside Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sudan. In response, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said there is no evidence that Bangladesh failed to ensure the safety of Indians. He described India’s move to equate Bangladesh with Pakistan as unfortunate but acknowledged it was India’s decision.

Hossain added that maintaining strong bilateral relations requires both sides to act responsibly, warning that repeated divisive steps could damage ties. He also remarked that India’s reaction appeared somewhat excessive based on his four decades of experience.