Bangladesh orders five ambassadors to return, including envoy to India

Bangladesh's interim government recalls the country's envoys to the UN, India, Belgium, Australia, and Portugal

Bangladesh's interim government has recalled five senior envoys, including its ambassador to India, in a significant diplomatic reshuffle, a foreign ministry official confirmed on Thursday.

This move comes as part of broader changes following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of violent protests.

The recalled envoys include ambassadors from Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, New Delhi, and the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.

The foreign ministry ordered them to immediately return to Dhaka and hand over their responsibilities, the official said on condition of anonymity.

This development follows the earlier recall of Saida Muna Tasneem, the high commissioner to Britain, who was similarly asked to return.

The reshuffle is seen as part of the interim government’s efforts to consolidate power following the resignation of Hasina on August 5, amid a student-led movement that left more than 700 dead.

The protests strained relations with neighbouring India, with which Bangladesh shares a 4,000-kilometre border.

Meanwhile, reports of violence against minority groups, particularly Hindus, have surfaced in the wake of the political changes. The government, however, has denied religious motivations, stating that the violence was politically driven.

Previously, the foreign ministry has also instructed seven other envoys appointed by the previous Awami League government, including ambassadors in Washington, Moscow, and Riyadh, to return to Bangladesh.

Diplomatic staff from Bangladesh’s missions in Washington, Ottawa, and New York have also been recalled as part of this sweeping administrative reshuffle.

The interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, took office on August 8, following the resignation and exile of Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India.