India has kept its diplomatic facilities open, including its high commission in Dhaka and five assistant high commissions, to process visa applications — especially of those seeking medical treatment
The interim administration in Bangladesh has announced a temporary halt to visa operations at several of its major diplomatic outposts in India, including the High Commission in New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain confirmed the move during a press conference, explaining that the decision was a necessary response to the current security climate.
“What I have done is that I have asked our three missions (in India) to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” Hossain stated.
This is in stark contrast to the moves India has been taking since ties between the two countries took a turn for the worse. India has kept its diplomatic facilities open, including its high commission in Dhaka and five assistant high commissions, to process visa applications — especially of those seeking medical treatment.
Which high commissions have been shut down?
This suspension follows similar restrictions recently implemented at the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and the mission in Agartala. While general travel is affected, the government has notably exempted business and work visas from these measures. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi missions in Mumbai and Chennai continue to offer full visa services.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between the two nations, which has been strained since the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. India had previously introduced its own visa limitations for Bangladeshi citizens, citing safety concerns of its own.
Beyond regional ties, Adviser Hossain addressed a new financial hurdle for travellers to the United States: a recently introduced visa bond requirement. While Hossain characterised the U.S. policy as “certainly unfortunate and painful for us,” he noted that the measure was “not abnormal” as it applies to several other nations facing immigration-related challenges. He assured that Dhaka is currently engaging in diplomatic talks to secure an exemption from the rule.
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