Bangladesh Suspends Visas for Indians on Security Grounds

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended visa issuance for Indian nationals at several of its diplomatic missions in India, citing security concerns amid escalating bilateral tensions. The restrictions, which took effect around December 20, primarily affect tourist and other non-essential visas, while business and employment categories remain available. Officials confirmed the closures at the High Commission in New Delhi, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, with some reports indicating extensions to additional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Siliguri, and Guwahati.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain announced the measures during a briefing at the foreign ministry in Dhaka on Friday, describing them as a precautionary step. "I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It's a security issue," Hossain told reporters, without specifying the locations. Diplomatic sources clarified that the decision responds to recent protests near Bangladeshi missions in India, including demonstrations by Hindu groups outside the New Delhi High Commission on December 20 and 23, following reports of violence...