Over security concernsBangladesh shuts visa sections at Indian missions

Bangladesh has temporarily closed the visa sections of several of its three key diplomatic missions in India following attacks on mission facilities, citing security concerns.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Towhid Hossain said this while briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

The adviser confirmed that visa services have been suspended at Bangladeshi missions where security incidents occurred.

Though he did not mention the names of the missions, a diplomatic source said the three missions are Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and Bangladesh Assistant High Commission Agartala. There are Bangladesh Missions stationed in Mumbai and Chennai, too.

His remarks came amid growing discussion over restrictions on tourist visas for Indian nationals from Bangladesh’s deputy high commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.

“There is no blanket decision to suspend visas,” Towhid Hossain said in response to questions from journalists.

“What we have done is ask the visa sections of our missions, where problems have arisen, to remain closed for the time being. This decision has been taken purely for security reasons.”

The clarification follows reports that tourist visa issuance for Indian citizens had been curtailed ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections.

The adviser rejected suggestions that the move was politically motivated, reiterating that safety concerns prompted the closures.

The decision comes in the aftermath of multiple attacks on Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities in India.

On December 20, extremist groups vandalized the Bangladesh Visa Centre in New Delhi, followed by another attack in Siliguri on December 22.

After August 5, 2024, several Bangladeshi missions in India also faced violent protests and damage, further raising security concerns.

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh has gradually scaled back visa and consular services across several missions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Wednesday night that the latest restrictions would take effect from Thursday.

Under the revised measures, all visa categories for Indian nationals - except business and employment visas - have been suspended at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.

Consular and visa services remain fully halted at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, while only limited visa services are being provided at missions in Mumbai and Chennai.

Diplomatic sources said the steps were taken to ensure the safety of staff and applicants amid ongoing tensions.

Earlier, Bangladesh had suspended visa issuance and consular services at its High Commission in New Delhi, the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, the visa centre in Siliguri, and the mission in Guwahati.

As a result, Bangladeshi visa services in India are now restricted to a narrow range of categories.

Meanwhile, protests targeting Bangladeshi missions have continued.

On Wednesday, leaders and activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a demonstration outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Mumbai.

Around 150 protesters gathered near the mission, chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans, and clashes were reported between demonstrators and police.

Over the past few days, several Hindus have been killed in Bangladesh amid growing tensions and violence in the country.

India had earlier imposed restrictions on visas for Bangladeshi nationals after August 5, 2024, citing security concerns, a move that significantly disrupted travel between the two countries.

Cold fight in Cricket

Responding to a question on cricketers’ safety issue, the Foreign Adviser said he fully supports what Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul had said.

Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul reaffirmed on Wednesday that Bangladesh will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, reiterating the nation’s demand to have their matches relocated to co-host Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media following a meeting with directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Asif Nazrul said while the nation is eager to participate it cannot be at the expense of national dignity or player safety.

“We have discussed the situation. The Bangladesh team played hard and fought to qualify for the T20 World Cup, and as a cricket-crazy nation, we certainly want to play in the World Cup,” he said.

“We will certainly play outside India,” said Foreign Adviser Hossain.

Asked about the impact of this in bilateral relations, the Foreign Adviser said this issue came afresh though at various times various issues came and each issue will have negative impacts to some extent.

Business Relations

Talking about keeping business relations unhurt, the Adviser said if they find their interest in purchasing rice at a cheaper price, the business people will go for that.

Asked about Bangladesh’s ‘potential interest’ in procuring the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, the Foreign Adviser said, “I can’t tell about this today. Talks are underway. You will know once things are finalised.”