India Brings Back Non-Essential Staff from Dhaka Mission Amid Unrest; Diplomats Remain Operational

In response to the recent unrest in Bangladesh that resulted in the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, the Government of India has taken precautionary measures by bringing back non-essential staff and their family members from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. A special Air India flight (AI1128) facilitated the return of 190 individuals to ensure their safety and well-being.

Despite the evacuation of non-essential personnel, the Indian diplomatic presence in Bangladesh remains robust and functional. Approximately 20-30 senior staff members continue to operate at the High Commission in Dhaka, ensuring that diplomatic activities and services are uninterrupted. Additionally, India maintains its assistant high commissions and consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet, which remain operational.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the situation in Parliament, reassuring members that the Indian government is in “close and continuous” contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh, which numbers around 10,000. He emphasized that the current situation does not warrant the evacuation of Indian nationals residing in the country.

“The situation in Bangladesh is still evolving,” Dr. Jaishankar stated. “We are in close and continuous touch with Indians in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. While precautionary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of non-essential staff, the situation is not alarming enough to necessitate the evacuation of the entire Indian community in Bangladesh.”

The Indian government continues to monitor the developments in Bangladesh closely and is prepared to take further actions if necessary to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.