Dhaka Orders Indian Missions to Halt Visa Operations

News Desk 

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered its key diplomatic missions in India, including the High Commission in New Delhi, to suspend visa services citing security concerns, highlighting continuing strains in Dhaka-Delhi relations.

Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain told reporters Thursday that he had instructed Bangladesh’s three missions in India to temporarily close their visa sections.

“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 said, according to The Star Daily.

The measure follows similar restrictions implemented by Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, while visa services for business and work purposes remain unaffected. Other missions in Mumbai and Chennai continue to provide visa services.

The suspension comes amid longstanding tensions between the two countries. India had previously imposed restrictions on visas for Bangladeshi nationals after August 5, 2024, citing security concerns. 

Relations further soured after Bangladesh declined to send its national cricket team to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, citing safety risks for players, officials, media personnel, and fans.

The controversy escalated after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from his IPL squad amid deteriorating diplomatic ties. 

In response, the Bangladesh government banned the IPL broadcast domestically, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s World Cup matches outside India.

The suspension of visa services reflects growing diplomatic caution in Dhaka, signaling a cautious approach in managing relations with New Delhi amid broader security and political concerns.