India Advises Families of Mission Officials in Bangladesh to Return Amid Security Concerns

• Advisory applies only to dependents; Indian Mission and Posts remain operational

• Decision linked to recent security threats and communal incidents

• India raises concerns over minority safety, especially Hindus

• Bangladesh interim government releases data on minority-related incidents in 2025

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New Delhi | 21th Jan: India has advised the dependents of its Mission and Post officials stationed in Bangladesh to return home as a precautionary measure, citing the prevailing security situation, official sources said on Tuesday.

The sources clarified that the advisory is limited to family members and does not affect the functioning of Indian diplomatic establishments. The Indian Mission in Bangladesh, along with all its Posts, continues to remain open and fully operational.

Security concerns around Indian missions

Security concerns around Indian diplomatic facilities have intensified in recent months, particularly after the killing of Islamist youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2025. Following the incident, rumours circulated that the shooters had fled to India, triggering protests and heightened tensions. These claims were later challenged after one of the accused released a video stating that he was in a Gulf country.

Concerns over minority safety

India has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of minority communitiesespecially Hindus in Bangladesh. These concerns have gained prominence since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office after the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024, following student-led unrest.

On January 9, India urged Bangladeshi authorities to act firmly against communal incidents. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi continues to witness “a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities, as well as their homes and businesses, by extremist elements.”

Data on communal violence

According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, 51 incidents of communal violence were reported in December 2025 alone, including 10 murders. The organisation has also stated that at least seven members of the Hindu community have been killed in Bangladesh since December.

Bangladesh government’s review

The Indian advisory comes a day after the Bangladesh interim government released details of incidents affecting minority communities and the overall law-and-order situation in 2025. An official review of police records, shared by the chief adviser on social media, documented 645 incidents involving members of minority communities between January and December 2025.

The review, based on verified FIRs, general diaries, charge sheets and investigation updates across the country, said that 71 incidents were identified as having communal elements, while 574 were assessed as non-communal. The communal cases primarily involved vandalism or desecration of religious sites and idols, along with a limited number of other offences.

Indian authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation and remain in touch with Bangladeshi counterparts on issues related to security and the protection of minorities