Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services Amid Rising Tensions in New Delhi

The Bangladeshi High Commission in New Delhi has suspended consular and visa services due to escalating tensions following protests related to violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. This decision comes after a series of protests and unrest in Bangladesh, including the brutal killing of a Hindu man. The Indian government has responded by increasing security around its diplomatic missions and suspending visa operations in Chittagong. Protests have also erupted in Kolkata against the violence faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting the growing diplomatic strain between the two nations. Read on for more details about the situation and its implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 08:53 IST

Suspension of Consular Services

The Bangladeshi High Commission in New Delhi, along with the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, has halted all consular and visa operations until further notice due to escalating diplomatic tensions following unrest in Bangladesh.

Background of the Decision

This decision was made shortly after a protest involving 20 to 25 individuals occurred outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in New Delhi, as reported by a local news outlet.

Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser, Touhid Hossain, informed the media in Dhaka that the country's High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, received death threats from protesters on Saturday evening.

Indian Government's Response

In response to claims from Bangladesh that Indian citizens had threatened Bangladeshi diplomats, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs dismissed these allegations as misleading propaganda.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the protest was in reaction to the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a member of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, who was brutally murdered and desecrated during the recent unrest.

Widespread Unrest in Bangladesh

The unrest in Bangladesh was further fueled by the death of student leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, which sparked protests and violent clashes across the nation.

Reports indicate that stones were thrown at the residence of the assistant Indian high commissioner in Chittagong, and properties associated with the ruling Awami League were also attacked.

Visa Operations in India

Following the unrest, New Delhi has suspended visa operations at its Chittagong center and increased security around Indian diplomatic missions.

India operates five visa application centers in Bangladesh, with the remaining four centers still functioning as of Sunday.

Closure of Services in Agartala

The Bangladeshi Assistant High Commission in Agartala announced that its consular and visa services would also be suspended starting Tuesday, following protests by a Hindutva group and the youth wing of the TIPRA Motha Party.

Protests in Kolkata

In Kolkata, protests were held outside the Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission against the violence faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, led by West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, and Congress leaders.

The Kolkata Police intervened to prevent the protesters from entering the premises, leading to a scuffle and a subsequent sit-in on the road.