DHAKA/NEW DELHI – In a significant step toward normalizing bilateral ties, Bangladesh has fully restored visa and consular services for Indian citizens at its missions in India. The move, effective from Friday, February 20, 2026, ends a nearly two-month suspension that was triggered by political instability and diplomatic friction.
The decision follows the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on February 17, 2026, signaling a major policy shift under the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government.
Restoration of Services
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, along with its assistant missions in cities like Agartala and Siliguri, has resumed processing all visa categories.
-
Categories Reopened: Full services have returned for tourist, medical, business, work, and student visas.
-
Addressing the Backlog: The restoration is expected to clear a massive backlog of travel requests, particularly for thousands of Indian patients seeking affordable cross-border medical treatments and business travelers involved in bilateral trade.
Context of the Suspension
Consular services were initially halted on December 22, 2025, following a period of intense political turmoil in Bangladesh. The suspension was driven by:
-
Security Concerns: Violent protests near diplomatic premises in Dhaka and New Delhi led to a freeze for the safety of mission staff.
-
Diplomatic Tensions: Relations had deteriorated under the previous interim administration following the murder of an anti-India youth leader, which sparked widespread protests and reciprocal travel restrictions.
A New Chapter in Bilateral Ties
Diplomatic observers view this move as a critical “confidence-building measure” (CBM) by the Rahman administration.
-
PM Modi’s Congratulations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently sent a formal letter to PM Tarique Rahman, emphasizing India’s commitment to a “democratic and inclusive” Bangladesh.
-
Reciprocal Gestures: In response to Dhaka’s move, the Government of India has indicated it will soon fully restore visa services for Bangladeshi nationals. Currently, Indian missions in Bangladesh are prioritizing medical and double-entry visas while preparing to resume all categories.
Internal Political Context
While ties with Dhaka stabilize, the domestic political scene in India remains active. Recently, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Rohit Pawar wrote to the Prime Minister regarding the investigation into the tragic January 28, 2026, plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The letter reportedly urged the removal of Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu until the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) completes its probe, citing the need for an impartial inquiry.
