News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/7th August 2024
India is scaling back its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh by allowing non-essential staff and their families from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to return home voluntarily. This step, confirmed by sources on Wednesday, involves these personnel taking a commercial flight back to India. Despite this reduction, the High Commission remains operational, with all Indian diplomats continuing their duties in Dhaka.
The Indian diplomatic presence in Bangladesh is not limited to the capital city. India also maintains assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. These regional offices remain critical for India’s diplomatic and consular activities across the country.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the expectation that the host government would ensure the necessary security for the Indian missions in Bangladesh. He expressed hope for the normal functioning of these missions once the situation stabilizes.
Bangladesh is currently facing significant political upheaval. The crisis escalated after Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years, resigned as Prime Minister. Her resignation came in response to massive protests that began as a movement against a job quota scheme. The demonstrations quickly transformed into a broader mass movement demanding her removal from office. As the protests intensified, Sheikh Hasina fled the country, seeking refuge in India.
Despite the ongoing political instability, some Indian nationals have chosen to stay in Bangladesh. Their reasons vary, with some staying by choice and others due to compelling circumstances. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has provided helpline numbers for those who might need assistance during this turbulent period. The numbers are +8801958383679, +8801958383680, and +8801937400591.
The Indian government’s decision to reduce its diplomatic footprint in Bangladesh underscores the gravity of the situation. By prioritizing the safety of its non-essential staff and their families, India is taking a cautious approach to navigating the current political crisis in its neighboring country. This move reflects a broader strategy to ensure the well-being of its diplomatic personnel while maintaining essential operations and support for Indian citizens remaining in Bangladesh.
In summary, India’s reduction of its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh is a response to the ongoing political crisis following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. While non-essential staff and their families return to India, the High Commission and assistant high commissions continue to function, emphasizing India’s commitment to its diplomatic and consular responsibilities in Bangladesh.
