Dramatic Political Shifts in Bangladesh Lead to Voluntary Departure of Indian High Commission Staff

Non-essential staff and family members of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka are returning to India voluntarily. All diplomats remain operational in Bangladesh. Amid rapid political developments, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned, and President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament, appointing Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus to lead the interim government.

Non-essential staffers at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and their family members have opted to return to India on a voluntary basis through commercial flights, confirmed official sources on Wednesday.

Despite the departures, the Indian High Commission remains operational, and all Indian diplomats continue to function from the Bangladeshi capital. This comes amid rapid political developments in the country.

In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and arrived at the Hindon airbase near Delhi, prompted by unprecedented anti-government protests. Following this, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament on Tuesday and appointed Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus as the head of an interim government. This decision was taken during a meeting at the presidential palace with military chiefs and a delegation from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated President's Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin late Tuesday night. The other members of the interim government will be finalised after consultations with various political parties, added the press secretary.

(With inputs from agencies.)