Bangladesh has decided to further restrict visa services for Indian citizens, citing security concerns and threats linked to extremist groups. The decision follows a series of security-related incidents involving Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India.
According to officials, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has temporarily closed visa sections at three additional diplomatic locations in India. The new restrictions came into effect on Thursday.
Under the updated policy, all categories of visas have been suspended, except for business and employment visas. The Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has completely stopped providing consular and visa services. In addition, all visa services, including tourist visas, have been suspended at Bangladeshi missions in Mumbai and Chennai.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Office said visa operations have only been halted in cities where security threats or incidents were reported. Officials stressed that the move is purely based on safety concerns for diplomatic staff and facilities, and is not intended to damage bilateral relations.
This is not the first such step taken by Bangladesh. On December 22, visa and consular services were already suspended at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, and a visa center in Siliguri.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and visa services will be restored once security conditions improve. No timeline has been announced for the resumption of full operations.
The decision is expected to affect travel between the two neighboring countries, especially for tourists and personal visits. Bangladesh has maintained that ensuring the safety of its diplomatic missions remains its top priority.
