Bangladesh crisis: Diplomats to remain in High Commission, India evacuates families and non-essential staff

The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, on Wednesday, evacuated the non-essential staff and families from Dhaka, on a voluntary basis through commercial flight.

All diplomats are currently to stay in the High Commission, as it continues to remain functional, stated sources from the embassy.

Besides the High Commission or embassy in the capital Dhaka, India has assistant high commissions or consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet.

Bangladesh violence: India in touch with authorities

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Tuesday, Aug 6, had said in the Parliament that India has been "in regular touch with authorities in Dhaka" and the Indian community in Bangladesh amid the violence and political developments in the neighbouring country.

The minister further added that India was lookin to diffuse the situation through dialogue. “As violence continued throughout July [in Bangladesh], we repeatedly counselled restrain and urged the situation be diffused through dialogue. Similar urgings were made to various political forces with whom we were in touch,” said Jaishankar.

While addressing the parliament, Jaishankar further assured that India expected Bangladesh to provide the required security protection for the assisstant consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet.

Jaishankar's statement came after Sheikh Hasina stepped down as the Bangladesh prime minister amid violence in her country and protesters demanding her resignation.

Muhammed Yunus appointed to lead interim government

Sheikh Hasina's resignation from the post of prime minister, had created a political vaccum for Bangladesh.

Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner renowned for his work with impoverished communities and a vocal critic of the deposed Sheikh Hasina, had been appointed on Wednesday, to lead Bangladesh's interim government.

Bangladesh has been witnessing nationwide protests since June over a special job quota bill that allowed reservations for families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war. The protests turned violent last month.