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Bangladesh's response came after New Delhi advised the families of Indian officials posted in Dhaka to return home as a precautionary step, citing security concerns ahead of the country's general elections scheduled for February 12.
Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. (Photo: X)
UPDATED: Jan 29, 2026 04:35 IST
Days after India recalled diplomats' families from Bangladesh, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said there was no reason for New Delhi to withdraw family members of diplomats from the country. He claimed that there was no security risk to foreign officials or their dependants.
Bangladesh's response came after New Delhi advised the families of Indian officials posted in Bangladesh to return home as a precautionary step, citing security concerns ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for February 12.
Speaking at a media briefing at the foreign ministry, Hossain added that Dhaka had not received any formal communication from India explaining the decision or raising specific security concerns.
"Perhaps (India) they have some apprehension or want to convey a message, but I cannot identify any clear reason," Hossain said as per news agency PTI. He previously served as Bangladesh’s deputy high commissioner in India.
INDIA CALLS MOVE PRECAUTIONARY
India's withdrawal applies to personnel posted at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka as well as at consulates in Khulna, Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet.
"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 told PTI.
Indian officials stressed that the decision was limited to dependants and did not affect diplomatic operations. "The mission and all posts in Bangladesh will continue to remain open and operational," the sources said.
ENTIRELY THEIR INTERNAL MATTER: BANGLADESH
Hossain said Bangladesh viewed the decision as an internal matter for India and would not object if diplomats chose to send their families back.
"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.
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.
- Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Jan 29, 2026
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