Bangladesh says no security threat after India recalls diplomats’ families ahead of elections

Bangladesh denies security risks after India recalls diplomats' family members

• Bangladesh says no security threat to Indian diplomats ahead of elections
• India recalls diplomats' families from Bangladesh as a precautionary measure
• Diplomatic operations in Bangladesh remain open and ongoing

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Bangladesh pushed back against India’s decision to recall the families of its diplomats from the country, saying no security situation warranted such a move ahead of the February 12 general elections.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Dhaka had not been formally informed by New Delhi of any specific threats or concerns and insisted that foreign diplomats and their dependents were not at risk.

“There is no situation here that would indicate danger (for Indian diplomats),” Hossain said while addressing a media briefing at the foreign ministry.

India last week advised the family members of its officials posted at the High Commission in Dhaka and consulates in Khulna, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet to return home, describing the step as precautionary in view of the security environment.

Responding to the decision, Hossain said Bangladesh viewed the move as India’s internal matter and would not interfere with how New Delhi managed its diplomatic staff.

“It is entirely their internal matter. They (India) can ask their officials or families to leave at any time,” he said.

“If they want to do so, there is nothing we can do about it,” he added.

Hossain also said Bangladesh had not received any official communication from India outlining security concerns or explaining the decision.

“Perhaps (India) they have some apprehension or want to convey a message, but I cannot identify any clear reason,” said Hossain, who previously served as Bangladesh’s deputy high commissioner in India.

Indian officials, however, maintained that the move was limited to dependents and would not affect diplomatic operations in Bangladesh.

“Given the security situation, as a precautionary measure, we have advised the dependents of our officials in high commission and posts to return to India,” official sources said.

“The mission and all posts in Bangladesh will continue to remain open and operational,” they added.

Despite the advisory, India’s diplomatic presence in Bangladesh continues to function normally. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka recently hosted a Republic Day reception, underscoring that diplomatic engagement between the two countries remains ongoing.

The issue has surfaced at a sensitive time as Bangladesh prepares for national elections amid political tensions, though Bangladeshi authorities continue to insist that there is no threat to foreign missions or their staff.