Bangladesh Halts Visa Services in India Amid Security Concerns, Tensions Rise | Quick Digest

Bangladesh Halts Visa Services in India Amid Security Concerns, Tensions Rise | Quick Digest
Bangladesh has suspended visa services at its missions in India, including Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, citing security concerns after recent attacks on its diplomatic facilities. This move reflects escalating tensions between the two nations, also influenced by concerns over violence against minorities in Bangladesh and reciprocal visa restrictions.

Bangladesh suspended visa services at several missions in India, including Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain cited 'security issues' for the visa halt.

Previous attacks on Bangladeshi visa centres in New Delhi and Siliguri contributed to the decision.

All visa categories, except business and employment, are suspended.

Relations are strained since the August 2024 ousting of Sheikh Hasina, with India imposing earlier visa restrictions.

Concerns over violence against minorities in Bangladesh are a significant factor in the heightened bilateral tensions.

Bangladesh's interim government announced the suspension of visa services at several of its diplomatic missions in India, including those in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, and Agartala. Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain explicitly stated that the decision was based on "security issues" following recent attacks on Bangladeshi facilities in India, such as visa centres in New Delhi and Siliguri. This measure affects all visa categories except for business and employment visas. The move comes amid significantly strained relations between Bangladesh and India, which have been deteriorating since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. India had previously imposed its own visa restrictions on Bangladeshi nationals, also citing security concerns related to the political unrest and anti-India protests in Bangladesh. Beyond the immediate security concerns for diplomatic missions, the escalating tensions are also linked to widespread communal violence targeting minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. New Delhi has voiced concerns that the interim government is not adequately addressing these atrocities. Incidents like the lynching of a Hindu worker, Dipu Chandra Das, and condemnation from Indian political figures like Robert Vadra, highlight the severity of these issues. These events have created a backdrop of mistrust and animosity, prompting reciprocal actions from both sides regarding visa services and diplomatic engagements.
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