Bangladesh has temporarily closed the visa sections of several of its diplomatic missions in India following attacks on mission facilities, citing security concerns, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Towhid Hossain said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters at a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the adviser confirmed that visa services have been suspended at Bangladeshi missions where security incidents occurred.
His remarks came amid growing discussion over restrictions on tourist visas for Indian nationals from Bangladesh’s deputy high commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.
“There is no blanket decision to suspend visas,” Towhid Hossain said in response to questions from journalists.
“What we have done is ask the visa sections of our missions, where problems have arisen, to remain closed for the time being. This decision has been taken purely for security reasons.”
The clarification follows reports that tourist visa issuance for Indian citizens had been curtailed ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections.
The adviser rejected suggestions that the move was politically motivated, reiterating that safety concerns prompted the closures.
The decision comes in the aftermath of multiple attacks on Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities in India.
On December 20, extremist groups vandalized the Bangladesh Visa Centre in New Delhi, followed by another attack in Siliguri on December 22.
After August 5, 2024, several Bangladeshi missions in India also faced violent protests and damage, further raising security concerns.
Against this backdrop, Bangladesh has gradually scaled back visa and consular services across several missions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Wednesday night that the latest restrictions would take effect from Thursday.
Under the revised measures, all visa categories for Indian nationals - except business and employment visas - have been suspended at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.
Consular and visa services remain fully halted at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, while only limited visa services are being provided at missions in Mumbai and Chennai.
Diplomatic sources said the steps were taken to ensure the safety of staff and applicants amid ongoing tensions.
Earlier, Bangladesh had suspended visa issuance and consular services at its High Commission in New Delhi, the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, the visa centre in Siliguri, and the mission in Guwahati.
As a result, Bangladeshi visa services in India are now restricted to a narrow range of categories.
Meanwhile, protests targeting Bangladeshi missions have continued.
On Wednesday, leaders and activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a demonstration outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Mumbai.
Around 150 protesters gathered near the mission, chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans, and clashes were reported between demonstrators and police.
India had earlier imposed restrictions on visas for Bangladeshi nationals after August 5, 2024, citing security concerns, a move that significantly disrupted travel between the two countries.
