Bangladesh resumes full visa services for Indians

Bangladesh has resumed full visa and consular services for Indian nationals at its missions in India, signalling an early diplomatic reset following the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister.The Bangladesh High Commission, along with its Assistant High Commissions in Agartala and Siliguri, restarted processing all visa categories, including tourist, medical, business and work visas, from Friday morning, 20 February. Services had been suspended in December 2025, with officials citing “unavoidable circumstances” amid security concerns and protests near diplomatic premises.

Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was sworn in on February 17, after his party’s electoral victory. His government replaces the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, a period marked by deteriorating ties with India, rising anti-India sentiment, and restrictions on consular operations.
The move is expected to ease travel for Indian nationals, particularly business travellers and families with cross-border links, and boost trade and people-to-people exchanges. In a reciprocal gesture, the Government of India has indicated it will soon restore full visa services for Bangladeshi nationals.Tensions between the two countries had escalated since August 8, 2024, when India temporarily suspended visas amid unrest in Bangladesh following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India. Subsequent protests and diplomatic closures on both sides further strained ties.

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