In a move signalling a diplomatic thaw, the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi has resumed full visa services for Indian citizens days after Tarique Rahman assumed office, indicating efforts by Dhaka to reset ties with India.
In a significant step towards easing tensions, the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Friday resumed full visa services for Indian citizens, according to a report from India Today.
The move comes three days after Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s prime minister, signalling a shift in Dhaka’s approach towards India.
Visa services had remained suspended for nearly two months following a sharp deterioration in bilateral ties in December 2025. Their restoration suggests that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party leadership is prioritising the stabilisation of relations with New Delhi.
Ties between the neighbours had worsened in late 2025 after the assassination of anti-India student leader Sharif Usman Hadi, which triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh. During the unrest, some groups targeted members of the Hindu minority and incidents of mob violence were reported.
Amid rising security concerns and anti-India sentiment, both sides scaled down consular operations. While business and work visas continued in limited form, medical and tourist visas were suspended. The High Commission confirmed that all categories, including tourist visas, are now fully operational.
India to reciprocate visa restoration
Dhaka’s decision has prompted reciprocal steps from India. Speaking in Sylhet, India’s senior consular official Aniruddha Das said New Delhi is working to restore all visa categories for Bangladeshi nationals.
He noted that medical and double-entry visas are currently being prioritised, while full restoration of travel and other categories is expected soon.
India had earlier suspended visa services nationwide on August 8, 2024, during the July uprising and days after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina left for India. Operations at Indian Visa Application Centres were halted citing an unstable situation. Services were later partially restored, but issuance remained well below earlier levels.
Focus on diplomatic reset
Diplomatic attention is now focused on Rahman’s first foreign visit. Om Birla attended Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony as a representative of Narendra Modi and conveyed an invitation for an official visit to India.
The outreach is seen as an attempt to reset ties after the previous administration under Muhammad Yunus chose China for its first state visit, a move that had caused unease in New Delhi.
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