New Delhi, December 22–23, 2025 — The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has temporarily suspended all visa and consular services, citing “unavoidable circumstances” and security concerns, according to a notice displayed at the mission and confirmed by multiple news outlets. The Times of India
Official Suspension of Services
On Monday, December 22, the High Commission posted an official notice stating that all visa issuance and consular services will remain halted until further notice, and expressing regret for any inconvenience caused to applicants. The Times of India+1
Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in Agartala and Siliguri (West Bengal) have also suspended similar services amid evolving security concerns. United News Bangladesh+1
What Triggered the Suspension
While the notice did not list specific details, several news reports link the decision to recent protests and diplomatic tensions:
- On December 20, a small group of protesters (around 20–25 people) demonstrated outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, chanting slogans and opposing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, according to reports. The Times of India+1
- Media sources report that some protesters also made threatening remarks aimed at Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, which local diplomatic sources described as contributing to a sense of heightened security risk for mission staff and families. Jagonews24+1
- Similar demonstrations and pressure from nationalist groups reportedly occurred at Bangladesh’s visa operations in Siliguri, where the visa centre was temporarily shut after a large protest. The Business Standard
Diplomatic Strain and Tit-for-Tat Actions
This suspension comes in the context of rising diplomatic friction:
- Indian visa services at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chattogram were earlier temporarily halted amid security concerns and protests outside the Indian mission there, according to some reports. AajTak
- The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry also publicly condemned the Delhi protest, stating that the sign-carrying demonstrators and the incident at the mission were “unacceptable.” ABP News
Analysts suggest that both sides are reacting to heightened tensions rather than isolated events, with visa services affected as a visible symptom. The Times of India
Impact on Travelers and Residents
The suspension affects Indian nationals applying for Bangladeshi visas, including tourists, business travellers, and those visiting family. Visa applicants at the New Delhi mission have been left uncertain about when services will resume, as the notices include no specific timeline. The Times of India
Official Response and Next Steps
Bangladesh’s High Commission has not announced a date for resuming services, and Indian authorities have not released a formal joint statement on the matter as of press time. However, diplomatic sources confirm that the situation is being monitored closely by both foreign ministries. The Times of India