Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh has temporarily closed the visa sections of three of its diplomatic missions in India, citing security concerns amid a tense environment surrounding the facilities, officials confirmed.
According to Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff and visitors. He stated that the closures were not politically motivated but were driven purely by security considerations following reports of disturbances and protests near the missions.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that the affected missions include 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 until further notice. However, Bangladesh’s missions in Mumbai and Chennai remain operational, as no security threats have been reported there.
Officials emphasised that the move does not amount to a complete shutdown of diplomatic operations, and consular services other than visa processing continue as usual. Authorities in Dhaka said the situation is being monitored closely, and visa services will resume once security conditions improve.
The temporary suspension comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity between Bangladesh and India, following recent political developments and protests that have reportedly targeted Bangladeshi missions. Analysts believe the decision reflects growing caution by Dhaka to avoid any risk to personnel while broader diplomatic engagements continue through official channels.
Observers note that while the closure is being described as temporary, it may impact travel plans for Indian nationals seeking visas to Bangladesh, particularly for tourism, business and medical purposes. However, officials reiterated that the safety of diplomatic staff remains the top priority.
Bangladesh has conveyed its concerns through diplomatic channels and expects cooperation from Indian authorities to ensure the security of its missions. Both countries continue to maintain dialogue on regional stability and bilateral cooperation, despite the current strain.
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