India has decided to withdraw the families and dependents of its diplomats from Bangladesh due to growing security concerns. The move comes as tensions rise ahead of Bangladesh’s general election on February 12.
Campaigning for the election is scheduled to begin on Thursday. Protests and counter-protests have erupted across the country in recent months.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have worsened since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India in 2024. Her departure followed deadly demonstrations that shook Bangladesh.
An Indian official described the withdrawal as part of “internal readjustments” but gave no further details. It is not yet clear when the families will be allowed to return.
In December, India summoned Bangladesh’s high commissioner to raise concerns over what it described as a worsening security situation. The threats were reportedly directed at members of the Indian mission in Dhaka.
The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has repeatedly demanded Hasina’s extradition. Meanwhile, New Delhi has voiced concerns over violence targeting Bangladesh’s minority Hindu community.
The foreign ministries of both countries have not commented on the latest developments.
Earlier, India’s ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has elected its youngest-ever president. Nitin Nabin, 45, a five-time lawmaker from Bihar, will take over from outgoing president JP Nadda, 65. The move is seen as a push to engage younger voters ahead of key state elections.
Nabin was elected unopposed after party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, proposed his name. Hundreds of party workers gathered at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi to witness the ceremony. Nabin took the oath of office with his forehead smeared with vermillion and a party scarf draped over his shoulders.
Prime Minister Modi praised the new president during the ceremony. He said, “When it comes to the party, I am a worker and he is my boss.” Modi described Nabin as a committed worker who will lead the party into the next phase of elections.
