A day after Dhaka’s ties with New Delhi hit a new low diplomatically and security wise, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi threw up its hands and ceased visa and consular services on 22 December 2025. The decision, which will remain in place indefinitely, comes after a weekend of high-voltage protests and sharpened violence inside Bangladesh that has again brought the neighboring country to the edge of chaos.
It’s not just the capital where operations have been suspended; even the Assistant High Commission here in Agartala (Tripura) and Visa Processing Centre in Siliguri are shutting shop due to “unavoidable circumstances”.
The Catalyst: Protests at the Gates
What led to the suspension in New Delhi was a protest on 20 December when about 25 protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission. They were demonstrating the “horrendous killing” of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Mymensingh, and calling for better protection for minorities in Bangladesh.
Although the protest was characterized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as being brief and harmless, it was seen in Dhaka as a major violation of security. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said that death threats were issued against High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah, prompting the suspension of operations to protect their diplomatic personnel.
Why Is Bangladesh on Fire?
The recent stirrings of dissent stem from the tragic death of 32 year old youth activist, Sharif Osman Hadi– one of the main characters behind the popular 2024 movement (as did which Sheikh Hasina was ousted).
- The Assassination: He was killed in Dhaka on December 12 by masked attackers.
- His Death: He was killed in an explosion; news of his death set off nationwide riots. Hadi supporters using the banner of Inqilab Moncho attacked properties and cultural organizations with Awami League affiliations, as well major media houses like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
- Anti-India sentiment: While the rumors that Hadi’s killers fled to India have become an excuse for a burst of anti-India rhetoric, including protesters targeting Indian diplomatic missions in cities such as Chittagong and Rajshahi.
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The ban on visas has left thousands in limbo. Among the most affected are:
- Medical Travelers: Tripura’s private hospitals, which cater heavily to Bangladeshi patients for special treatment, will see a marked decrease in cross-border movement.
- Logistics & Trade Small-scale traders who transport perishables via land borers are staring at heavy losses as the busiest visa channels in Agartala and New Delhi remain shut.
What’s Next?
As Bangladesh readies for parliamentary elections on Feb. 12, 2026, the United Nations called for “maximum restraint.” But with visa services suspended indefinitely, that bridge between the two countries is effectively severed.
There are probably two conditions for services to be resumed again: first, an improvement of the internal security situation in Dhaka; and second, that there is an easing off of the war of words between the two governments. Travellers should, for now, keep abreast of appointments with the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata as it is presently the only major mission functioning normally.
