India has evacuated all non-essential staff and their families from its embassy and consulates in Bangladesh following massive protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister. This move comes after intense demonstrations over job quotas forced Hasina to step down and flee the country.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka continues to operate with a minimal staff, with key personnel, including the High Commissioner, remaining at their posts. The evacuation was carried out via commercial flights, and the High Commission remains functional with essential operations maintained by dedicated personnel amid the unrest.
In addition to the main embassy in Dhaka, India has assistant high commissions or consulates in several other cities, including Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. Despite the evacuation, these posts continue to function with reduced staff.
The protests, which began over the country’s quota system for the families of freedom fighters, escalated into anti-government demonstrations demanding Hasina’s resignation. Nearly 300 people were killed as authorities used force to disperse the crowds. On Monday, protestors stormed the Prime Minister’s residence, prompting Hasina to flee the country. Her plane landed at an airbase near Delhi, where she was met by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Hasina is expected to leave for the UK, where she may seek political asylum.
Army chief of Bangladesh, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced Hasina’s resignation on state television, stating that the military would form an interim government. The military has taken over security in Dhaka’s diplomatic neighborhood, previously overseen by the police, and is now responsible for securing the residences of ambassadors and foreign missions in the Gulshan and Baridhara zones.
A special Air India flight, operated with an A321 Neo aircraft, evacuated 199 adults and six infants from Dhaka to Delhi. Scheduled operations to Dhaka by Air India will continue, with two daily flights from Delhi. Other airlines, including Vistara and IndiGo, will also maintain their scheduled services to Dhaka.
No official statement has been issued by the Indian government on the evacuation.