India Advises Families of Officials to Leave Bangladesh Before Elections

DHAKA, January 20, 2026 — India has ordered the families of officials stationed in Bangladesh to return home, a move prompted by escalating security concerns as the country prepares for parliamentary elections.

Election Season Heightens Security Worries for Indian Diplomats

A precautionary withdrawal of dependents signals heightened anxieties ahead of a pivotal vote.

• India is evacuating families of diplomatic staff from Bangladesh.
• The decision is linked to the security situation surrounding upcoming elections.
• The Indian High Commission and other posts will remain operational.
• Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus is advocating for reforms limiting executive power.

The decision, announced Tuesday, comes just weeks before Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for February 12. Officials cited a deteriorating security landscape as the primary driver for the withdrawal, though details of specific threats weren’t disclosed. “Given the security situation, as a precautionary measure, we have advised the dependents of our officials in the high commission and other posts to return to India,” sources confirmed.

What’s driving this decision? The move reflects growing unease in New Delhi about potential instability during the election period, a time when political tensions often run high. The withdrawal is intended to safeguard the well-being of Indian diplomatic families, not a signal of a broader diplomatic shift.

Despite the evacuation of families, Indian officials emphasized that all diplomatic missions and posts within Bangladesh will continue to operate normally. The High Commission and other outposts will remain fully staffed and functional, ensuring continued diplomatic engagement.

The upcoming elections are particularly significant as they coincide with a referendum on proposed constitutional reforms championed by interim government chief Muhammad Yunus. These reforms include a provision that would limit any individual to a maximum of 10 years as prime minister.

Earlier this month, Muhammad Yunus urged voters to support his administration’s reform package in the upcoming referendum. The proposed changes, if approved, would significantly alter Bangladesh’s political structure, potentially reshaping the country’s leadership dynamics after the tenure of Sheikh Hasina.

The referendum, scheduled to be held concurrently with the general elections, places the issue of executive power limitations at the forefront of the political debate. The outcome will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Bangladesh’s political order.

The situation is being closely monitored by regional powers, as stability in Bangladesh is crucial for maintaining peace and security in the broader South Asian region.