Bangladesh suspends visa services in India
Suspension affects tourist and other visa categories across multiple missions in India as Dhaka cites security concerns amid strained ties
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has temporarily suspended most visa and consular services at its diplomatic missions across India, limiting operations largely to business and employment visas amid what officials described as heightened security concerns.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the latest restrictions took effect on Thursday, covering the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata as well as visa services for Indian nationals at missions in Mumbai and Chennai. Officials confirmed that tourist and general visa categories have been suspended until further notice.
The move follows earlier closures announced in late December, when Bangladesh halted visa issuance and consular services at its High Commission in New Delhi, its Assistant High Commission in Agartala, and a visa centre in Siliguri. Consular services were also suspended at the mission in Guwahati, sharply narrowing the scope of visa processing for Indian applicants.
Diplomatic sources said the decisions were taken in response to evolving security assessments, though no specific timeline has been given for the resumption of full services. Officials at the Kolkata mission confirmed that they were acting on instructions from higher authorities and are currently processing only business- and employment-related visa applications.
The tightening of visa services comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Bangladesh and India following the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her subsequent presence in India. Tensions have periodically spilled into public demonstrations, including protests targeting Bangladeshi diplomatic missions.
On Wednesday, members of the Hindu militant outfit Vishwa Hindu Parishad staged a protest outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Mumbai, with local media reporting clashes between demonstrators and police during the gathering.
Bangladeshi authorities have not indicated whether the visa restrictions are linked to any single incident, but analysts say the measures reflect a cautious diplomatic posture amid a sensitive phase in bilateral relations.
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