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.

The cricketing history between India and Bangladesh is a tale of overwhelming dominance by the "Men in Blue," though the rivalry has evolved from a one-sided affair into an intense clash. Across all formats,

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.