India has officially designated Bangladesh as a “non-family” diplomatic posting, ordering the return of families of Indian diplomats and staff stationed in the country, according to international media reports.
The decision means that Indian diplomats and embassy officials posted to Bangladesh will no longer be allowed to bring their immediate family members, including spouses and children, with them during their assignments.
Previously, only four countries — Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and South Sudan — were listed by India as non-family postings for diplomatic assignments. With the latest move, Bangladesh has now been added to this list.
The decision came into effect on January 1, 2026. Indian officials serving in Bangladesh were informed that their family members must return to India by January 8. However, diplomats and staff whose children were enrolled in Bangladeshi schools were granted an additional seven-day extension.
As a result, by January 15, families of Indian officials posted in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi were required to leave Bangladesh on short notice.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued a detailed statement on the decision. However, multiple sources within Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry have confirmed the development.
Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty said the move was likely driven by concerns that the security situation could deteriorate ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections scheduled for February 2026.
He added that the decision was not unusual in the context of elections, especially given the political uncertainty in the country. Chakravarty pointed out that the Awami League, one of Bangladesh’s major political parties, has reportedly not been allowed to participate in the elections, a move that has sparked controversy and heightened tensions.
