• Source:JND

India-Bangladesh Ties: Ahead of the Bangladesh parliamentary elections, India on Tuesday decided to withdraw the families of Indian officials posted in Bangladesh in view of the security scenario in the neighbouring country. The parliamentary elections are to be held in Bangladesh on February 12 amid turmoil.

India Declares Bangladesh A "Non-Family" Destination

According to the authorities, India decided to make Bangladesh a 'non-family' destination amid violence against the minorities and apprehension of more violent incidents ahead of the elections. Given the security situation, as a precautionary measure, the government has advised the dependents of our officials in High Commission and posts to return to India, official sources said.

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However, the mission and all posts in Bangladesh continue to remain open and operational. Apart from the high commission in Dhaka, India has diplomatic posts in Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet.

The news agency, PTI, quoting sources, reported that it was not immediately known when the families of the diplomats and other officials would return to India.

It is learnt that India has decided to make Bangladesh a "non-family" destination for Indian diplomats and officials in view of safety concerns following increasing activities of extremist elements in that country.

What Is Non-Family' Destination?

According to the authorities, a 'non-family' destination is a country where there is a security threat against Indians. In the neighbourhood, Pakistan is also a "non-family" destination for Indian diplomats and officials.

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Dhaka Suspends Visa Service In India

Earlier on January 8, Bangladesh's interim government sked its key missions in India, including at New Delhi, to suspend visa services over security concerns. Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh has also sought reversal of a recently imposed visa bond requirement by the United States. "What I have done is that I have asked our three missions (in India) to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It's a security issue," Hossain said. The adviser's comments came after Bangladesh's Deputy High Commission in Kolkata overnight restricted visa services after identical moves in New Delhi and Agartala keeping business and work visas beyond the purview of the restriction.

The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in August, 2024. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country.

(With PTI inputs)


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