Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services in India Amid Security Concerns

Bangladesh's Visa Suspension Announcement

Dhaka: On Thursday, Bangladesh's interim government announced the suspension of visa services at its key diplomatic missions in India, including New Delhi, due to security issues.

M Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Adviser, shared this information during a media briefing, indicating that the country is also seeking to reverse a recently implemented visa bond requirement by the United States.

"I have instructed our three missions in India to temporarily close their visa sections due to security concerns," Hossain stated.

This announcement follows the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata's decision to limit visa services, which was mirrored in New Delhi and Agartala, although business and work visas remain unaffected.

Bangladesh maintains diplomatic missions in Mumbai and Chennai, where visa services continue to operate.

Previously, India had placed restrictions on visas for Bangladeshi citizens after August 5, 2024, citing security reasons.

Relations between Bangladesh and New Delhi have been tense since the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government following violent protests led by students in July-August 2024.

Hossain further mentioned that Bangladesh will engage in diplomatic discussions to seek an exemption from the US's newly imposed visa bond requirement, describing the situation as "unfortunate and painful for us."

He noted, however, that this US decision is not unique to Bangladesh, as several countries are facing similar immigration challenges due to the current US administration's policies.

When questioned about Bangladesh's interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, the Foreign Adviser stated, "I cannot provide details today. However, discussions are ongoing, and updates will be shared once finalized."