In light of the sensitive situation surrounding the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh on February 12, the country has implemented a temporary “technical pause” on visas for Indian citizens seeking non-essential travel. This decision, as reported by The Indian Express, aims to address security concerns following recent tensions between the two nations. However, Bangladesh will still issue visas to Indian nationals traveling for urgent work or emergencies.
On Thursday, the interim government of Bangladesh instructed its key diplomatic missions in India, including the one in New Delhi, to suspend visa services due to these security issues. M. Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Adviser, confirmed, “What I have done is that I have asked our three missions in India to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue.” Notably, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, as well as missions in New Delhi and Agartala, will exempt business and work visas from the suspension. Visa services in Mumbai and Chennai will continue to operate.
Prior to this, India had imposed its own restrictions on visas for Bangladeshi nationals beginning August 5, 2024, citing similar security concerns. Additionally, last December, consular and visa services at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi were temporarily halted due to “unavoidable circumstances,” creating further disruption.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh heightened following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in Dhaka’s July 2024 uprising. Hadi was shot in Dhaka and died on December 18, prompting protests across both nations. This triggered diplomatic responses, as both Delhi and Dhaka summoned each other’s envoys to express concerns.
During this period of strained relations, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, on December 31. Jaishankar expressed confidence that Khaleda Zia’s vision would aid in the partnership’s development. Notably, he also attended her funeral on December 30, where he was one of six foreign dignitaries.
On January 1, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to express condolences on behalf of the Indian government and to sign the condolence book.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/security-issue-bangladesh-suspends-visa-services-at-key-indian-missions-10463156/
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Publish Date: 2026-01-09 01:56:00
