Bangladesh suspends visa services in key Indian missions citing security concerns

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government announced on Thursday that it has directed three of its key diplomatic missions in India to suspend visa operations indefinitely, citing security concerns. The decision affects the missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala, marking a significant downturn in diplomatic relations.

Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain confirmed the move during a media briefing at his office. "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.

While the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, along with missions in New Delhi and Agartala, have restricted general visa services, officials clarified that business and work visas remain beyond the purview of these restrictions. Visa operations at Bangladesh's missions in Mumbai and Chennai currently remain unaffected.

The move follows a period of heightened tension between Dhaka and New Delhi. India had previously imposed its own visa restrictions for Bangladeshi nationals following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League regime in August 2024, also citing security reasons. Relations have remained fragile since the student-led protests that led to the regime change.

During the briefing, Hossain also addressed the United States' newly imposed visa bond requirement, describing the decision as "certainly unfortunate and painful". He indicated that Dhaka would pursue diplomatic channels to seek an exemption, though he noted the measure was "not abnormal" as it applies to multiple countries facing immigration challenges.

On defence matters, when asked about potential interest in procuring JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, the Foreign Adviser offered a guarded response. "I can’t tell about this today. (But) Talks are underway. You will know once things are finalised," he said.

(Inputs from PTI)