Former cricketer Madan Lal has alleged that Pakistan is influencing Bangladesh's refusal to play in India. Bangladesh risks exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026 after not complying with ICC ultimatum.

NEW DELHI, Jan 21 (Reuters) - India will withdraw its diplomats' families and dependents from Bangladesh in the face of security threats as tension rises ahead of a February 12 general election, an Indian official said on Wednesday.

A simmering dispute between the neighbors, who share one of the largest land borders in the world, has escalated with diplomatic protests and a sports boycott.

In response to rising security concerns in Bangladesh, India has classified its diplomatic postings there as 'non-family' and advised officials' dependents to return home. Despite the situation, all five diplomatic missions will continue to operate at full strength.

The decision follows a series of violent incidents targeting Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and diplomatic disputes over the killing of anti-India radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose supporters accused India of harbouring his attackers.