Bangladesh Temporarily Suspends Visa Services in India Amid Rising Tensions

Bangladesh’s interim government has announced the temporary suspension of visa services at key diplomatic missions in India, citing security concerns and regional tensions as the primary reason for the move. The decision affects consular and visa operations at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, with services being paused until further notice.

According to Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md. Touhid Hossain, the visa sections of these missions have been instructed to remain closed to safeguard diplomatic personnel and facilities in the backdrop of ongoing unrest and political sensitivities between the two neighbouring countries. However, business and work visas are excluded from this general suspension and will continue to be processed where feasible.

Bangladesh continues to provide visa services at its missions in Mumbai and Chennai, where operations are currently unaffected. The suspension comes amid a broader set of diplomatic measures and tensions with India after New Delhi earlier imposed its own restrictions on certain categories of visas for Bangladeshi nationals, citing security and administrative concerns.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been under strain since major political changes in Bangladesh in 2024 and subsequent incidents involving protests and unrest that have drawn attention from both governments. While the visa service suspension is described as temporary and security-driven, it could affect travel plans for Indian passport holders intending to visit Bangladesh for tourism or personal reasons until services are fully restored.