Bangladesh Stops Offering Visa Services in Agartala, Kolkata, and New Delhi
Due to security concerns, Bangladesh has temporarily shuttered the visa sections of its missions in Agartala, Kolkata, and New Delhi. Work and business visas are unaffected, and applications are still being processed in Chennai and Mumbai.
At some of its major missions in India, Bangladesh has temporarily ceased providing visa services. The ruling adds to the growing uncertainty surrounding cross-border travel and has an impact on tourists planning excursions between the two nations.
Here is a basic explanation of what is going on.
Which Visa Offices Are Currently Closed?
Three of Bangladesh's missions in India have been advised to temporarily close their visa departments:
Kolkata
New Delhi
Agartala
The majority of visa categories are affected by these closures. Work and business visas are unaffected and are still being processed.
It is important to note that visa services are still available in other consulates, such as those in Chennai and Mumbai.
Why Did Bangladesh Act in This Way?
The action is related to security concerns, according to M Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh's foreign affairs adviser. He told the reporters that the decision was made temporarily to safeguard employees and facilities. When regular services will return has not been specified.
What About the Bond Issue for US Visas?
Bangladesh also acknowledged during the same briefing that it had requested that the US remove a recently implemented visa bond requirement. The request implies that Bangladesh is resisting stricter visa regulations that impact its nationals, however the counsel did not provide any other information.
The Broader Political Framework
Bangladesh and India have had strained relations for several months. After Bangladeshi nationals were subject to visa restrictions by India in August 2024 due to security concerns, the situation deteriorated.
That came after significant political upheaval in Bangladesh. Following violent student-led protests in July and August 2024, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from office. Diplomatic relations have remained shaky ever since.
What Travelers Should Know About This
You will have to wait or apply through Mumbai or Chennai if you intended to apply for a Bangladeshi visa in New Delhi, Kolkata, or Agartala.
As applications move to fewer locations, processing periods for visas may lengthen. Before making travel arrangements, travelers should confirm the status of their visa office.
This is not a permanent shutdown, but rather a halt for the time being. However, travelers should anticipate delays and make careful plans until official updates are released.
