Diplomatic unease between India and Bangladesh has begun to show direct impact on people-to-people movement. Bangladesh has temporarily suspended all visa and consular services from its High Commission in India, citing “unavoidable circumstances”. The move comes amid rising tensions and security concerns linked to recent incidents affecting visa operations on both sides.
The suspension has added uncertainty for thousands of Indian travellers, medical patients, students, and business visitors who depend on Bangladeshi visas, especially in eastern India.
What Did the Bangladesh High Commission Say?
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi issued a brief notice on Monday announcing the halt in services. The official notice stated, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, all consular & visa services from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi are temporarily suspended until further notice.”
No timeline has been given for the resumption of services, leaving applicants unsure about pending and new visa requests.
Why Has Bangladesh Halted Visa Services?
The decision comes shortly after India suspended visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong following a security-related incident. Officials on both sides have remained cautious, indicating that safety and operational concerns are being reviewed.
Diplomatic sources suggest that visa services may resume once security assessments and administrative arrangements are completed.
Visa Centre Vandalised in West Bengal’s Siliguri
Tensions spilt over into India’s eastern region on Monday when protesters vandalised a Bangladesh visa centre in Siliguri, West Bengal. According to reports, the centre had been operational for several years under a private agency.
The incident raised concerns over the safety of the visa infrastructure and staff. It also reinforced the need for temporary suspension until law-and-order conditions stabilise.
Who Will Be Affected by the Suspension?
The suspension is expected to affect several categories of travellers. Medical tourists form a large portion of Indian nationals visiting Bangladesh, particularly from West Bengal, Assam, and the Northeast. Students, traders, and religious visitors may also face delays. Travel agents have advised applicants to avoid making bookings until official clarity emerges.
What Does This Mean for India-Bangladesh Relations?
While both countries share deep historical and cultural ties, visa disruptions often signal short-term diplomatic strain. However, officials on both sides have avoided confrontational language, suggesting the situation may be temporary. The suspension highlights how security incidents can quickly disrupt cross-border mobility, even between close neighbours.
Is This a Long-Term Visa Freeze?
At present, there is no indication that Bangladesh plans a prolonged shutdown of visa services. The wording of the notice leaves room for a swift resumption once conditions improve. Diplomatic observers believe back-channel talks are ongoing to stabilise operations and prevent further escalation.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
Applicants with urgent travel needs are advised to monitor official updates from the Bangladesh High Commission. Experts recommend avoiding intermediaries and waiting for formal announcements before submitting new applications. Until services resume, visa processing from New Delhi remains completely suspended.
