Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services in Multiple Indian Cities Citing Security Concerns, Limits Issuance to Business and Employment Visas

Bangladesh has extended visa restrictions for Indian nationals and suspended visa services at multiple diplomatic missions, citing security concerns and alleged threats from extremist groups. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the new restrictions took effect on Thursday, with all visa categories halted except for business and employment visas.

Visa sections at the Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission in Kolkata have been fully closed, while services in Mumbai and Chennai, including tourist visas, have also been suspended. Officials stated that the measures apply to Indian cities where diplomatic missions faced security-related incidents and emphasized that the decision is based solely on safety concerns.

Earlier, on December 22, Bangladesh had temporarily suspended visa and consular services at its High Commission in New Delhi, the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, and a visa center in Siliguri. The latest extension reflects ongoing security precautions and impacts travel and consular procedures for Indian citizens seeking entry to Bangladesh.