As India 'withdraws diplomats' families' Dhaka should adopt a calm, realistic approach: Experts

As India has reportedly decided to designate Bangladesh as a "non-family" posting for its diplomats citing security concerns, foreign policy and security analysts say Dhaka should adopt a calm, realistic approach and avoid taking reciprocal steps.

The Hindustan Times reported on 20 January, citing official sources, that India has advised the family members of its diplomats stationed in Bangladesh to return home as a precautionary measure.

Despite the decision, all five Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh – Dhaka, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chattogram and Khulna – will continue to operate at full strength.

No official statement, however, has yet been issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs in this regard. Bangladesh has also not formally responded. When asked about whether Bangladesh would withdraw its officials' family members from India, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam did not provide a response.

Former Bangladesh ambassador M Humayun Kabir said that Bangladesh should refrain from reacting hastily and instead focus on understanding India's concerns behind the decision.

"At this moment, there is no need for a hurried response. First, we need to understand why India has taken this step and what their specific concerns are," he said.

According to him, Bangladesh has not observed any particular security threat that would warrant a similar move. However, if India raises any valid concerns, those could be addressed through diplomatic dialogue.

"If their concerns are valid and there is something Bangladesh can do, that can be addressed through discussion," he added.

He also emphasised that diplomatic actions are taken based on circumstances and do not require automatic reciprocity.

"Just because one country takes a step does not mean the other must do the same. Diplomacy is about analysing the situation and understanding the reasons behind a decision," he said.

Security and intelligence analysts also believe the Indian decision does not pose any risk to Bangladesh. They argue that the move is based on India's internal security assessment and should not be interpreted as a reflection of Bangladesh's overall security environment.

Experts noted that while Bangladesh has experienced sporadic political violence in the past – particularly during election periods – such incidents are not new and do not destabilise the country's overall security situation.

"These election-related incidents do not destabilise the overall security situation. India's decision should be viewed strictly as its internal matter, and Bangladesh should maintain a calm and realistic stance," security and intelligence expert Brigadier General (retd) Manzur Qader said.

"There is no obligation for one country's decision to influence another's. Each country conducts its own security analysis," he said, adding that Bangladesh has no reason to take countermeasures.

Indian sources quoted by the Hindustan Times said the decision had been under consideration for some time amid growing concerns about the safety of diplomats' families, particularly due to alleged threats from extremist and radical elements.

The report also cited concerns regarding the activities of Pakistani elements in Bangladesh – claims that Dhaka has not officially addressed.

India has previously applied similar restrictions to Pakistan, where only spouses are allowed to accompany Indian diplomats.

India has also accused Bangladesh's interim government of failing to protect minorities – an allegation rejected by Dhaka.

Relations between the two countries have remained strained since the interim government assumed office in August 2024. Security has been increased around diplomatic missions in both New Delhi and Dhaka following recent protests, including demonstrations outside the Indian mission in Chattogram last month.

Despite tensions, however, diplomatic engagement continues between the two countries. India has reportedly reached out to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is expected to do well in the general election scheduled for 12 February.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently attended the funeral of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and met her son and political heir, Tarique Rahman – an interaction seen by observers as an attempt to ease strained relations.

Courtesy: TBS