Tarique Rahman in power, India to resume visa services in Bangladesh soon, says report| India News

Following a change in government in Bangladesh, India is preparing to fully restore visa services in the country. The move comes days after Tarique Rahman became the leader of the Bangladeshi government, according to a senior consular official.

Restoration of Visa Services

Aniruddha Das, India’s senior consular official in Sylhet, stated that efforts are underway to resume all visa services. Currently, medical and double-entry visas are being issued, with plans to reinstate other categories, including travel visas, according to a report by bdnews24.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The Indian assistant high commissioner in Sylhet emphasized a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through visa facilitation. He stated that India-Bangladesh relations are built on “mutual respect and honour.” Das also noted that both countries “share the same outlook” and desire to collaborate, with the people of both nations being the primary beneficiaries of a strong relationship.

Did You Know? Visa operations were initially suspended in Bangladesh after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which led to protests with anti-India sentiments.

The suspension of Indian visa services in Bangladesh occurred as relations between the two countries deteriorated. This deterioration began after protests in July 2024 led to the ouster of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who subsequently went to India. An official from an Indian visa centre stated in December of last year that centers are “forced to shut down” when the security situation worsens.

Bangladesh also implemented restrictions on visa issuance for Indian nationals in January, impacting missions in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. These restrictions limited visas to business and employment categories. The Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi suspended visa services indefinitely on December 22 following protests near the mission.

Expert Insight: The resumption of visa services suggests a potential shift towards improved diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh following a period of tension. Re-establishing these essential travel links could be a key step in rebuilding trust and fostering cooperation between the two nations.

A full restoration of visa services could facilitate increased travel for medical treatment, business, and tourism. However, the speed and extent of the resumption may depend on ongoing assessments of the security situation and continued diplomatic efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Indian visa services suspended in Bangladesh?

Indian visa services were suspended in Bangladesh after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which led to protests that took on anti-India overtones. Relations had also soured following the ouster of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

What types of visas are currently being issued?

Currently, medical and double-entry visas are being issued. Steps are underway to resume other categories of visas, including travel visas.

What did Indian officials say about the future of India-Bangladesh relations?

Indian officials stated that India-Bangladesh relations stand on the “foundation of mutual respect and honour” and that both countries “share the same outlook” and want to work together.

How might the resumption of visa services impact the broader relationship between India and Bangladesh?