India is overreacting, says Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain

POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Jan 22, 2026: India has decided to repatriate family members of Indian diplomats and government officials working in Bangladesh. New Delhi said that this decision has been taken as part of security precautions. However, other Indian missions outside the country, including the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, will remain open and functional.
India’s state-run news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) reported this on Tuesday. The agency’s report said that India took such a decision with the 13th national parliamentary elections in Bangladesh just a few weeks away.
It is learned through government officials that as part of security precautions, family members of Indian officials working in the High Commission and other posts in Dhaka have been advised to return to India.
Meanwhile, another source said that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has now classified Bangladesh as a ‘non-family’ country. As a result, Bangladesh has been placed in the same category as countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sudan. At the same time, the families of diplomats working in Dhaka have been ordered to be repatriated.
This reporter wants to know the reaction of Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain on the issue. In response, he said, “I completely disagree with the last part of your question. There is no evidence that we could not ensure the safety of Indians.”
Regarding the decision to keep Bangladesh at the same level as Pakistan, he said, “If India keeps Bangladesh at the same level as Pakistan, then that is their decision. Of course, it is unfortunate. But I cannot change their decision.”
Regarding the future of bilateral relations, the Foreign Affairs Advisor said, “If we want good bilateral relations, then we first have to decide whether we really want good relations or not. If we keep taking steps one after another that will break the relationship, then that will happen.”
He also said, “Looking at my experience with India in various roles over the last 40 years, I think India is a bit overreacting. I expected a better response from India.”