Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered an immediate suspension of visa processing at several of its diplomatic missions in India, including the high commission in New Delhi and key consulates, after what officials described as “heightened security concerns.” The announcement, delivered at a Dhaka press briefing by senior foreign-service official M. Touhid Hossain, offers no timeline for resumption but stresses that staff safety must take precedence. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/bangladesh-suspends-visa-services-at-key-missions-in-india-citing-security-concerns/articleshow/126450958.cms?utm_source=openai))
The freeze comes at a delicate moment in bilateral ties. Over the past month, sporadic violence against minority communities inside Bangladesh has triggered protests and a fresh war of words between politicians on both sides of the border. New Delhi had privately pressed Dhaka to guarantee the security of Hindus and Buddhists after several temples were vandalised. Diplomats say the visa shutdown is partly a precaution against possible demonstrations in front of Bangladeshi facilities in India.
For Indian companies operating textile, pharma and energy projects across the Padma, the suspension is more than a symbolic gesture. Work-permit renewals and short-term business visas—normally issued in five working days—have been put on hold, delaying plant inspections, sales trips and the rotation of expatriate staff. Recruitment firms in Kolkata and Guwahati report that Bangladeshi workers scheduled to join Indian construction sites this week have also been stranded.
![Bangladesh Halts Visa Services at Indian Missions Citing Security Fears]()
Travel-management companies advise corporates to check whether employees already hold multiple-entry visas. If not, trips will need to be routed through Bangladesh’s e-visa portal or via missions in third countries—adding cost and at least 10 days of processing time.
For those scrambling to re-route paperwork, VisaHQ can act as a stop-gap: the platform’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) lets applicants compare requirements, file online forms and track approvals for Bangladeshi visas obtained in third countries, while also pushing real-time alerts on any policy shifts—helpful while missions in Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata stay dark.
In the interim, border trade at Petrapole-Benapole and Akhaura remains unaffected, but drivers must carry Pakistani-style ‘leave permits’ instead of visas.
Policy analysts say the episode underscores how quickly political flashpoints can disrupt regional mobility. They urge both governments to activate the 2016 Bilateral Travel Facilitation Agreement, which created an emergency hotline to keep business and medical travel moving during crises.
The freeze comes at a delicate moment in bilateral ties. Over the past month, sporadic violence against minority communities inside Bangladesh has triggered protests and a fresh war of words between politicians on both sides of the border. New Delhi had privately pressed Dhaka to guarantee the security of Hindus and Buddhists after several temples were vandalised. Diplomats say the visa shutdown is partly a precaution against possible demonstrations in front of Bangladeshi facilities in India.
For Indian companies operating textile, pharma and energy projects across the Padma, the suspension is more than a symbolic gesture. Work-permit renewals and short-term business visas—normally issued in five working days—have been put on hold, delaying plant inspections, sales trips and the rotation of expatriate staff. Recruitment firms in Kolkata and Guwahati report that Bangladeshi workers scheduled to join Indian construction sites this week have also been stranded.
Travel-management companies advise corporates to check whether employees already hold multiple-entry visas. If not, trips will need to be routed through Bangladesh’s e-visa portal or via missions in third countries—adding cost and at least 10 days of processing time.
For those scrambling to re-route paperwork, VisaHQ can act as a stop-gap: the platform’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) lets applicants compare requirements, file online forms and track approvals for Bangladeshi visas obtained in third countries, while also pushing real-time alerts on any policy shifts—helpful while missions in Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata stay dark.
In the interim, border trade at Petrapole-Benapole and Akhaura remains unaffected, but drivers must carry Pakistani-style ‘leave permits’ instead of visas.
Policy analysts say the episode underscores how quickly political flashpoints can disrupt regional mobility. They urge both governments to activate the 2016 Bilateral Travel Facilitation Agreement, which created an emergency hotline to keep business and medical travel moving during crises.
