Bangladesh 'Limits' Tourist Visas for Indians

Bangladesh has further restricted visa issuance for Indian nationals, extending the curbs to its deputy high commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the decision on Wednesday night, saying the restrictions have come into effect from Thursday. Under the latest measures, all categories of visas except business and employment visas have been suspended.

According to the ministry, consular and visa services have been halted at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, while tourist and other visa services for Indian nationals have also been suspended at missions in Mumbai and Chennai. Diplomatic sources said the decision was taken in view of security considerations amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Earlier, on December 22, Bangladesh temporarily suspended visa issuance and consular services at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, and the visa centre in Siliguri. Consular services were also halted at the mission in Guwahati, Assam. As a result, the issuance of Bangladeshi visas in India is now limited to a few categories.

An official at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata said the move was taken on instructions from higher authorities and that only business and employment visas are currently being issued.

Meanwhile, leaders and activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Mumbai. On Wednesday, around 150 VHP supporters gathered near the mission, chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans. At one stage, clashes reportedly broke out between the protesters and police.

India had earlier imposed restrictions on visas for Bangladeshi nationals after August 5, 2024, citing security concerns.