Bangladesh has temporarily suspended all visa and consular services at its High Commission in New Delhi, citing “unavoidable circumstances” and security concerns. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice, with no specific timeline for resumption.
A notice outside the High Commission stated that services including visa issuance and consular assistance for Indian and other applicants are on hold. The mission expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.
The move comes amid increasing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Earlier, India had temporarily suspended visa operations at its Visa Application Centre in Chittagong, following a security incident affecting the Indian mission there.
Tensions have been fuelled by recent protests in New Delhi, where a small group demonstrated outside the Bangladesh High Commission on December 20, condemning the killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. Indian authorities confirmed the protest was brief and did not escalate into any security breach.
Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commission in Agartala has also announced a halt to its consular and visa services starting December 23, expanding the impact of the disruption. Additionally, a Bangladesh visa processing centre in Siliguri, West Bengal, was reportedly vandalised amid local protests, further raising safety concerns for Bangladeshi diplomatic operations.
The suspensions reflect growing strains in bilateral relations, driven by domestic unrest in Bangladesh, reciprocal diplomatic measures, and security considerations. India has stated it will continue monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety of foreign missions, while Bangladesh has not specified conditions for resuming normal services.
This temporary halt affects individuals seeking travel documents or consular support, adding to uncertainty for those planning visits or legal formalities with Bangladesh. Authorities on both sides have indicated that normal operations will resume only when security and diplomatic conditions are stabilised.
