The Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Bangladesh Interim Government, Md. Touhid Hossain, has expressed bewilderment regarding India’s decision to evacuate the families of its diplomatic staff from Dhaka. Speaking to journalists at his office on Wednesday afternoon, the Adviser noted that the Indian government had not formally communicated any specific security grievances prior to the move, leaving the underlying motive—whether strategic or precautionary—shrouded in ambiguity.
“There is no genuine security risk at present,” Hossain asserted, addressing rumours of instability. “The decision to withdraw family members is entirely a sovereign matter for India. They have the prerogative to recall their staff or dependents, but frankly, I cannot discern a logical reason for it under the current circumstances.”
Security Concerns vs. Political Signals
The departure comes amidst heightened tensions between the two neighbours, following the tragic death of martyr Sharif Osman bin Hadi and subsequent protests. When asked if this move mirrored historical diplomatic withdrawals—such as the evacuation of Indian families from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor—Hossain declined to draw direct parallels.
He maintained that the internal security situation in Bangladesh is stable, particularly in the lead-up to the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Elections. He argued that political friction and clashes have remained significantly lower than in previous election cycles, suggesting that the “security pretext” may not align with the reality on the ground.
Diplomatic Responses and Measures
Despite the withdrawal, the Adviser confirmed that the government has fulfilled every security request made by the Indian High Commission. Following protests near diplomatic premises, Dhaka increased the deployment of law enforcement to ensure the safety of the mission.
| Issue | Government Position |
| Security Risk | No imminent threat to foreign diplomats or families. |
| Indian Communication | No formal security “concerns” shared before withdrawal. |
| Protective Measures | Sufficient security provided; requests fully met. |
| Election Stability | Lower levels of violence compared to past elections. |
| Indian SEZ Status | Special Economic Zone allocation previously revoked. |
Economic Shifts and Strategic Changes
The Adviser also clarified the status of the Indian Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Chattogram. He revealed that the previous allocation granted to India had been cancelled some time ago. The land has since been reallocated to facilitate a specific specialised industry, marking a shift in the region’s industrial strategy.
Ultimately, Hossain reiterated that if a foreign nation chooses to withdraw its citizens based on internal perceptions or to send a diplomatic “message,” the host nation can do little but continue providing standard protections. “If they are not satisfied with the ample measures we have taken, there is little more we can do,” he concluded.