In a significant escalation of recent diplomatic friction, Bangladesh has expanded its visa restrictions for Indian nationals, suspending most categories of visas at its deputy high commissions in three major Indian cities. The new measures, which took effect from Thursday, impact the missions in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Security Concerns Drive Visa Suspension
According to a report in the Dhaka Tribune, the decision was conveyed by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday night. The ministry cited security considerations linked to the ongoing bilateral tensions between the two neighbouring countries as the primary reason for the move.
An official at the Kolkata mission confirmed to the daily that the directive came from higher authorities. Under the new rules, all visa categories have been suspended except for business and employment visas. Consular and visa services have been completely halted at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, while tourist and other visa services have been stopped at the missions in Mumbai and Chennai.
A Series of Reciprocal Measures
This latest development is part of a series of reciprocal visa service restrictions that have unfolded over recent weeks. The current tensions have been simmering since ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India.
Earlier, India shut down two visa application centres in Bangladesh’s Khulna and Rajshahi, pointing to the security situation and anti-India protests in the country. A day later, on December 22, the Bangladesh High Commission suspended visa and consular services in New Delhi. Similar suspensions were also imposed at its Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, the visa centre in Siliguri, and consular services were halted in Guwahati, Assam.
The latest extension to Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai means the issuance of Bangladeshi visas for Indians is now limited to a very small number of categories and only at a few locations.
No Timeline for Normalcy
The Bangladeshi foreign ministry stated that the review of visa services is part of a wider assessment of the situation. However, it has not provided any timeline for when normal services might be restored. The move underscores the strained state of relations, with practical travel and people-to-people contacts becoming collateral damage.
With these fresh curbs, Indian citizens seeking to travel to Bangladesh for tourism, family visits, or other non-business purposes face significant hurdles, as applications must now be routed through the limited channels still in operation.
