India pulls out non-essential staff and families from its mission in Dhaka

India pulled out all non-essential staff and families of officials of the high commission in Dhaka on Wednesday as a precautionary measure in view of the continuing violence in Bangladesh though the mission remains functional, people familiar with the matter said.

The move came two days after former premier Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday because of nationwide public demonstrations seeking the ouster of her Awami League government.

The army has taken responsibility for running the country till an interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is formed.

Since Hasina quit, Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma and other diplomats in Dhaka have been engaged in hectic efforts to engage with authorities in Bangladesh, especially the military, the people said.

The Indian side has also conveyed to military authorities the need to protect Indian nationals and Bangladesh’s minority communities, they said.

Despite Bangladesh Army chief Gen Waker-uz-Zaman calling for peace and order in the wake of Hasina’s resignation on Monday, violence mostly directed against the Awami League party’s leaders, workers and supporters has continued in many parts of the country.

However, a sense of normalcy has returned to Dhaka.