DHAKA: Bangladesh has temporarily closed the visa sections of three of its missions in India as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said on Friday.
“What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he told reporters at the foreign ministry, responding to questions on restrictions on tourist visas for Indians, according to local newspaper The Daily Star.
While Hossain did not name the missions, diplomatic sources identified them as the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, and the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. Visa sections at the missions in Chennai and Mumbai, however, continue to operate normally, ensuring continuity for essential services and applicants.
The closure follows weeks of protests near Bangladesh missions in India, reflecting broader public concern. The advisory underscores Dhaka’s commitment to the safety of its citizens and mission personnel, while still maintaining selective consular services where feasible.
The development comes after the ouster of the Awami League regime, which led to restrictions on tourist visas for Bangladeshis by the Indian High Commission, citing security considerations.
Adviser Touhid Hossain also addressed sports-related concerns, following the exclusion of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League amid anti-Bangladesh protests. Bangladesh has decided not to send its national cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“We will certainly play outside India,” Hossain said, echoing Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul’s position on prioritizing player and supporter safety. He emphasized that the government must consider security before arranging travel to India for sporting events.
On the impact of these developments on bilateral relations, Hossain said, “Such issues arise from time to time and each has some impact,” adding that all decisions will reflect Bangladesh’s national interest.
He further noted that Dhaka will balance safety concerns with trade and diplomatic cooperation, stating, “We have an interest in our players’ safety in not sending them to India. If we have interest in buying rice from India, we will buy it.”
The government’s approach illustrates a careful balance between protecting citizens and mission staff, sustaining essential bilateral ties, and asserting national priorities in diplomacy, sports, and commerce.
