NEW DELHI – In a significant escalation of diplomatic friction, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has announced the indefinite suspension of all visa and consular services. The decision, effective immediately, has been attributed to "unavoidable circumstances" and security concerns.
Key Highlights of the Situation:
Total Suspension: The suspension applies to all types of visas (tourist, business, medical) and consular services for both Indian and foreign nationals seeking to travel to Bangladesh from New Delhi.
Regional Impact: Reports indicate that the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala (Tripura) has also suspended its visa operations following local protests and security breaches.
The Catalyst: This move is widely seen as a reciprocal action after India suspended its operations at the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, citing a volatile security situation.
Underlying Causes
The diplomatic ties between the two neighbors have soured following recent unrest in Bangladesh. Key factors include:
Security Concerns: Massive protests in Bangladesh have led to concerns regarding the safety of Indian diplomatic staff, prompting India to scale back operations.
Protests in India: Recent demonstrations outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala have led Dhaka to claim that their diplomatic premises are not being adequately protected.
Political Instability: The ongoing political transition in Bangladesh following the ousting of the previous government has created a sensitive environment for bilateral dialogue.
Impact on Travelers and Business
Travel Deadlock: Thousands of Indian citizens, particularly those seeking medical treatment in India or those with family ties in Bangladesh, are now facing complete uncertainty.
Economic Strain: Bilateral trade, which relies heavily on cross-border movement for logistics and business meetings, is expected to take a hit if the suspension continues.
Official Status: There is currently no confirmed date for the resumption of services. The High Commission has stated that any updates will be communicated once the situation stabilizes.