Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services for Indian Applicants

Bangladesh has indefinitely suspended visa services at its missions in New Delhi and Agartala following unprecedented protests by extremist Hindu organisations outside the Bangladesh House in the Indian capital. According to officials from the Segunbagicha headquarters and the relevant missions, the decision was taken under directives from the interim government in Dhaka, citing threats and abusive behaviour directed at the Bangladeshi High Commissioner.

Relations between Bangladesh and India have become increasingly strained, exacerbated by a series of recent incidents. On Saturday night, a group of extremist activists gathered at the gates of Bangladesh House in New Delhi, breaching security perimeters in Chanakyapuri and positioning themselves near the High Commissioner’s residence. Reports indicate that the group shouted anti-Bangladesh slogans and issued verbal threats, leaving the High Commissioner and his family reportedly terrified. The protesters were associated with the Akhand Hindu Rashtra Sena and arrived in several dozen numbers.

The situation in West Bengal mirrored tensions in the capital. In Siliguri, members of the World Hindu Council (VHP), Hindu Jagaran Manch, and local Siliguri city organisations staged a protest against alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. They gathered at Bagha Jatin Park before marching to the Bangladesh visa centre, operated locally by DU Digital, resulting in damage to the facility. Following negotiations between a five-member protest delegation and visa office authorities, the centre was closed temporarily. The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata requested heightened security measures from India’s Ministry of External Affairs in response.

Simultaneously, separate protests were held outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata by the National Congress, Nastik Mancha, and various Hindutva organisations. The demonstrations condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh and called for justice in the killing of Dipu Das. Police intercepted the marches to prevent escalation, and delegations formally submitted their protests to mission officials.

The diplomatic row has drawn official responses from both sides. Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain expressed serious concern over the incidents, questioning how extremist groups could approach a High Commissioner’s residence in a secure diplomatic zone. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs clarified that security perimeters were not breached and dismissed reports exaggerating the threat, noting that the demonstrators were dispersed by police within minutes. Both nations continue to monitor developments closely and maintain communication channels regarding minority safety and diplomatic security.

Key Incidents Overview

Bangladesh’s suspension of visa services underscores the growing diplomatic tension between the two neighbouring countries, highlighting the sensitive intersection of domestic protests and international diplomatic protocols.