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In a sudden diplomatic move, Bangladesh has suspended all consular and visa services in India with immediate effect, citing “unforeseen circumstances” and growing security concerns around its diplomatic missions. The decision has impacted services at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, along with Assistant High Commissions and visa centres in Agartala and Siliguri, leaving thousands of applicants uncertain about their travel plans.
Officials from the Bangladesh mission confirmed that the suspension covers all categories of visas and consular assistance, including tourist, medical, business, and student visas. The closure has been described as temporary but no timeline has been announced for the resumption of services.
The development comes amid heightened tensions and recent protests near Bangladesh diplomatic premises in India. Demonstrations reportedly took place close to the High Commission in New Delhi, raising serious safety concerns for diplomatic staff and their families. Bangladesh authorities expressed alarm over protestors managing to reach sensitive diplomatic zones, calling it a matter of grave concern.
Similar disruptions were reported in Tripura’s Agartala, where the Assistant High Commission announced the suspension of services starting Tuesday. Visa-related operations in Siliguri were also halted following incidents of vandalism and unrest, prompting officials to take precautionary measures.
The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of political unrest in Bangladesh, triggered by the killing of a prominent youth leader earlier this month. The incident sparked nationwide protests, some of which targeted Indian diplomatic properties in cities like Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi. Certain political groups in Bangladesh have alleged cross-border involvement, further straining bilateral relations.
India, however, has rejected claims of security lapses at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, stating that diplomatic missions remain well-protected. Despite this assurance, the rising tensions have already begun to affect people-to-people engagement, travel, trade, and cross-border cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.
The suspension is expected to impact thousands of travellers, including patients seeking medical treatment, students pursuing education, business professionals, and families awaiting reunions. Experts warn that prolonged disruption could affect tourism, trade ties, and regional mobility if the situation does not stabilise soon. As of now, both governments remain tight-lipped on the duration of the suspension. Diplomatic observers believe the decision reflects deepening friction in India Bangladesh relations, with broader implications for regional diplomacy and cross-border movement in South Asia.
