NEW DELHI, India, Aug 7: India is reducing its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, with non-essential staff and families from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka returning home on a voluntary basis via commercial flights, sources confirmed on Wednesday. Despite these adjustments, the High Commission remains operational with all Indian diplomats continuing to work in Dhaka.

In addition to the main High Commission in Dhaka, India maintains assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Tuesday that India expects the host government to provide the necessary security for its missions in Bangladesh. He expressed optimism that the missions would resume normal operations once the situation stabilizes.

The decision comes in the wake of significant political upheaval in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had governed for 15 years, resigned on Monday following widespread protests. Initially sparked by discontent over a job quota scheme, the demonstrations evolved into a mass movement demanding her removal. Hasina has since fled to India.