Diplomatic tensions flared on 24 December as Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry lodged a formal démarche with India over two security incidents targeting its missions. On 20 December, crowds gathered near the Bangladeshi High Commission and the ambassador’s residence in New Delhi. Two days later, vandals damaged signage at the Bangladesh Visa Application Centre in Siliguri, West Bengal, forcing a temporary halt to visa processing. Dhaka has asked New Delhi to guarantee the safety of its diplomatic staff and facilities.
Indian officials condemned the acts and said local police had increased patrols at all Bangladeshi premises while investigations proceed. Though no injuries were reported, the Siliguri centre—one of Bangladesh’s busiest in India—handles thousands of student and business-travel applications weekly, and its closure has already disrupted holiday-season trips.
The disturbances come against a backdrop of tit-for-tat visa suspensions. On 22 December, Bangladesh put all consular work in New Delhi, Siliguri and Agartala on hold, citing ‘unavoidable circumstances’, shortly after India suspended operations at its Chattogram Visa Application Centre following local protests. Such closures impede cross-border trucking, medical tourism and the movement of IT professionals who commute for short-term projects under multiple-entry visas.
![Bangladesh Seeks Security Assurances After Siliguri Visa Centre Vandalised]()
In the meantime, travelers seeking Bangladeshi or Indian travel documents can turn to VisaHQ (https://www.visahq.com/india/), whose online platform tracks real-time consular advisories, schedules alternative submission points and offers secure courier pickup so passports aren’t left at suddenly shuttered counters. The service’s documentation specialists pre-screen applications as well, helping applicants avoid delays once diplomatic posts resume full service.
Trade bodies on both sides warn that prolonged suspension could slow implementation of the India-Bangladesh CEPA draft, which promises duty-free access for textiles and pharmaceuticals. Logistics firms have advised exporters to reroute high-value cargoes via the Petrapole-Benapole land port, where electronic gate passes allow clearance even if traveller visas are stalled.
Diplomats from both countries are expected to meet early next week. Mobility advisers recommend that travellers monitor mission websites, keep digital copies of prior visas as proof of travel history and prepare for last-minute interview calls once operations restart.
Indian officials condemned the acts and said local police had increased patrols at all Bangladeshi premises while investigations proceed. Though no injuries were reported, the Siliguri centre—one of Bangladesh’s busiest in India—handles thousands of student and business-travel applications weekly, and its closure has already disrupted holiday-season trips.
The disturbances come against a backdrop of tit-for-tat visa suspensions. On 22 December, Bangladesh put all consular work in New Delhi, Siliguri and Agartala on hold, citing ‘unavoidable circumstances’, shortly after India suspended operations at its Chattogram Visa Application Centre following local protests. Such closures impede cross-border trucking, medical tourism and the movement of IT professionals who commute for short-term projects under multiple-entry visas.
In the meantime, travelers seeking Bangladeshi or Indian travel documents can turn to VisaHQ (https://www.visahq.com/india/), whose online platform tracks real-time consular advisories, schedules alternative submission points and offers secure courier pickup so passports aren’t left at suddenly shuttered counters. The service’s documentation specialists pre-screen applications as well, helping applicants avoid delays once diplomatic posts resume full service.
Trade bodies on both sides warn that prolonged suspension could slow implementation of the India-Bangladesh CEPA draft, which promises duty-free access for textiles and pharmaceuticals. Logistics firms have advised exporters to reroute high-value cargoes via the Petrapole-Benapole land port, where electronic gate passes allow clearance even if traveller visas are stalled.
Diplomats from both countries are expected to meet early next week. Mobility advisers recommend that travellers monitor mission websites, keep digital copies of prior visas as proof of travel history and prepare for last-minute interview calls once operations restart.
