Dhaka: Relations between India and Bangladesh have entered a tense phase after Dhaka suspended all visa and consular services across its diplomatic missions in India, citing unavoidable circumstances. The decision comes amid a series of violent incidents in Bangladesh, including the shooting of a prominent student and labour leader, raising fresh concerns over internal security and diplomatic safety.
Notices displayed at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala announced that visa services had been stopped with immediate effect and until further notice. Similar messages were issued across other Bangladeshi missions in India, effectively pausing travel from India to Bangladesh and disrupting cross-border movement for business, education, tourism and family visits.
The suspension follows a period of heightened unrest in Bangladesh marked by mob violence, targeted attacks and threats directed at Indian diplomatic establishments. These developments have prompted security concerns on both sides of the border.
In contrast, India has opted to keep its visa services operational in Bangladesh, highlighting humanitarian priorities. Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Monday visited the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka to review ongoing operations and assess the security situation. During the visit, he interacted with applicants, many of whom were seeking medical visas to travel to India for treatment.
The Indian High Commission said visa centres continue to function in Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi, despite the volatile environment. However, operations have not been without disruption. The Jamuna Future Park IVAC was briefly shut last week following serious threats to Indian diplomatic facilities, though services resumed soon after with alternative appointment slots provided to affected applicants.
The IVAC in Chattogram, meanwhile, remains closed after a violent incident on the night of December 18–19, when a mob attacked the entrance of the Assistant High Commission of India. Stones were thrown and threats issued, prompting India to seek stronger security guarantees from Bangladeshi authorities.
Adding to the unrest, another violent episode unfolded on Monday in Khulna, where student leader and labour organiser Motaleb Sikder was shot at. Sikder, associated with the National Citizens Party-linked labour group Sramik Shakti, was attacked near Al Aqsa Mosque Road in the Sonadanga area. He was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed he is out of danger. Medical officials said the bullet grazed his scalp near the left ear without penetrating the skull.
The incident has further intensified worries over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in parts of Bangladesh.
As tensions rise, Russia has publicly called for restraint. Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin urged both New Delhi and Dhaka to avoid further escalation, stressing the importance of stability ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka, Khozin highlighted the historical ties between India, Russia and Bangladesh, particularly during the 1971 Liberation War, and called for efforts to ease diplomatic strains.
The suspension of Bangladeshi visa services in India is expected to have a significant impact, especially in India’s northeastern states that share close economic, cultural and social links with Bangladesh. While New Delhi has so far avoided retaliatory measures, officials acknowledged that future decisions would depend on security developments and assurances from Dhaka.
