New Delhi: Due to ongoing security concerns, non-essential staff and family members of Indian High Commission employees have “voluntarily” returned from Bangladesh.
On Monday, August 5, Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and left the country after a massive security crackdown against students-led protests. She has been in India ever since her arrival on a military aircraft in an Indian Air Force base on Monday evening.
“Return of non-essential staff and families from Indian High Commission in Dhaka has taken place on voluntary basis through commercial flights,” said official sources. It is understood that that they started returning from Tuesday night.
The international airport at Dhaka resumed operations on Tuesday after several flights were cancelled or delayed following disruption by crowds.
Following the toppling of the Awami League government, Bangladesh has been plunged into chaos, with the interim government yet to assert control over the administration. There has been widespread targeting of institutions and facilities associated with the Awami League.
During her 15-year rule, Sheikh Hasina was regarded as a staunch ally of the Indian government, with both sides repeatedly asserting that ties are closer than ever before.
Late on Tuesday night, it was announced that Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus has been appointed head of the interim government.
Official sources confirmed that all Indian diplomats remained at the Indian High Commission, which continues to be fully operational.
In addition to the main mission in Dhaka, there are four Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. These locations are also witnessing a similar exodus of families leaving Bangladesh due to the prevailing uncertainty.
A day earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in parliament that India hoped Bangladesh authorities would ensure adequate security for its diplomatic missions.
“It is our expectation that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes,” he said.
Official sources emphasised that the High Commission in Dhaka was operational, with all three helplines set up to liaise with the Indian community functioning normally.
There are approximately 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, including 9,000 students. However, most of the students had returned to India when the quota reform movement began in July.
