New Delhi – Bangladesh has suspended visa services across three Indian cities indefinitely, citing unavoidable circumstances following a series of protests near diplomatic missions. The unprecedented halt to Bangladesh visa services in New Delhi, Agartala, and Siliguri marks a significant escalation in bilateral tensions between the neighboring countries, affecting thousands of visa applicants and reflecting the deteriorating diplomatic relationship.
New Delhi High Commission Halts Operations
The Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi suspended Bangladesh visa services for an indefinite period on Monday after a small group of protesters gathered near the mission. According to officials, members of Akhand Hindu Rashtra Sena protested in front of the high commission and chanted slogans against Bangladesh. Notices issued by the mission stated that all consular and visa services had been suspended until further notice because of unavoidable circumstances. The suspension affects the primary diplomatic facility handling Bangladesh visa services for applicants across northern India.
Tripura Assistant High Commission Follows Suit
Bangladesh’s assistant high commission in the northeastern state of Tripura announced the suspension of Bangladesh visa services on Sunday following protests outside the mission. The Tipra Motha Party and other groups organized demonstrations that prompted the consular shutdown. Despite the service suspension, staff members of Bangladesh’s assistant high commission in Agartala remain in place, though they are not processing any visa applications. This closure particularly impacts residents of northeastern states who rely on this facility for Bangladesh visa services.
Siliguri Operations Disrupted by Vandalism
Bangladesh visa services offered by a private operator on behalf of Bangladesh in Siliguri, West Bengal, were also suspended following an act of vandalism. The Siliguri facility serves as a crucial access point for applicants from West Bengal and neighboring regions seeking Bangladesh visa services. The vandalism incident reflects the growing tensions spilling over into attacks on diplomatic infrastructure, forcing authorities to prioritize staff safety over routine consular operations.
Anti-India Protests Following Leader’s Death
The suspension of Bangladesh visa services comes amid widespread unrest and demonstrations in Bangladesh that have taken on anti-India overtones following the death of radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi last week. Hadi, a known critic of India, died while being treated in Singapore after being shot by gunmen in Dhaka. His death triggered massive protests across Bangladesh, with demonstrators directing anger toward India and Indian diplomatic missions, ultimately forcing the suspension of Bangladesh visa services.
Chittagong Mission Under Siege
A large mob attempted to storm India’s assistant high commission in the southern city of Chittagong on December 18, forcing police to use teargas and batons to disperse protesters. Indian visa services were subsequently suspended in Chittagong. The violent attempt to breach the diplomatic mission represented one of the most serious security incidents affecting Bangladesh visa services and bilateral relations. Protests were also organized near India’s missions in Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi last week.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations
For several days, some of Bangladesh’s student leaders and politicians claimed Hadi’s killers had sneaked into India and demanded that New Delhi hand them over. However, Bangladesh Police announced on Sunday that the whereabouts of the assailants are not known, effectively undermining these claims. The accusations contributed to the hostile environment that led to disruptions in Bangladesh visa services and increased security concerns at diplomatic facilities.
India Rejects Security Breach Reports
On Sunday, India rejected reports of a security breach at the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi as misleading propaganda. The external affairs ministry stated that 20 to 25 youngsters gathered in front of the high commission late on Saturday and shouted slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched after being accused of blasphemy. Police dispersed the protesters, but the incident contributed to Bangladesh’s decision to suspend Bangladesh visa services.
Also Read: Bangladesh Unrest: Shocking Violence Sparks Diplomatic Crisis With India
Diplomatic Disagreement Deepens
Bangladesh’s de facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain contested the Indian side’s stance on the incident and argued that there had been a serious security failure. This fundamental disagreement over basic facts highlights the deteriorating trust between the nations that has resulted in suspended Bangladesh visa services. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry also rejected the depiction of Das’s lynching as an attack on the country’s minorities, further widening the diplomatic rift.
Historical Low in Bilateral Relations
India-Bangladesh ties have reached an all-time low since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government amid student-led protests and the subsequent installation of a caretaker administration led by Muhammad Yunus. The recent unrest over Hadi’s death has exacerbated the strains in the relationship, pushing both countries toward unprecedented diplomatic friction. The suspension of Bangladesh visa services represents one of the most visible manifestations of this deteriorating relationship.
Impact on Applicants and Future Outlook
The indefinite suspension of Bangladesh visa services across three major Indian cities affects thousands of applicants including students, business travelers, medical patients, and family members. With no timeline provided for resumption, applicants face uncertainty about their travel plans and commitments. The situation underscores how rapidly bilateral tensions can translate into practical hardships for ordinary citizens dependent on cross-border movement.
The suspension of Bangladesh visa services in New Delhi, Agartala, and Siliguri marks a concerning milestone in India-Bangladesh relations, with no immediate resolution in sight.
