Bangladesh Tightens Visa Restrictions for Indian Nationals Amid Security Concerns

New Visa Restrictions Implemented

Bangladesh has announced new restrictions on visa issuance for Indian citizens, affecting its Deputy High Commissions located in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, as reported by a local media outlet.

The Bangladeshi foreign ministry confirmed this decision on Wednesday, with the new measures taking effect the following day. The latest regulations suspend all visa categories except for business and employment visas.

M Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh, indicated that the country has instructed three of its diplomatic missions in India to close their visa sections due to security issues, although he did not specify which missions were involved.

Previously, on December 22, Bangladesh had temporarily halted visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi, the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, and the visa center in Siliguri, along with suspending consular services in Guwahati.

In response to security concerns following the political turmoil after August 5, 2024, India had also imposed visa restrictions on Bangladeshi nationals. This was triggered by the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who sought refuge in India amid widespread protests against her government.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated recently, particularly after the unrest that erupted following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi on December 18. Hadi was a key figure in the protests that led to Hasina's removal.

His death sparked widespread protests, vandalism, and violence in Bangladesh, with reports of attacks on minority communities, which have also incited demonstrations in India.

In December, both New Delhi and Dhaka summoned each other's diplomats to express their concerns regarding the escalating situation.