Bangladesh has temporarily closed the visa sections of three of its diplomatic missions in India, citing security issues amid ongoing protests near its facilities. The affected missions are the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala.
Visa services at these locations have been suspended for the time being, while operations continue normally at Bangladesh’s missions in Chennai and Mumbai.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed the decision, stating, “What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue.” He linked the move to protests that have occurred near Bangladesh’s missions in India over recent weeks, over continued cases of attack on Hindus in the country.
The closures come against a backdrop of strained bilateral relations following the ouster of the Awami League government in August 2024. Recent tensions have included reciprocal restrictions on visa issuance, with India previously limiting tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals on security grounds.
