New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh has fully restored visa and consular services at its missions in India, marking a major step towards mending strained bilateral relations after nearly two-month suspension.
The resumption of services, which came into effect from February 20, applies to all categories including tourist, medical, business, work and others, reported News18. The services are now operational at Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi, and its missions in Agartala and Siliguri.
Thus, restrictions imposed amid a diplomatic standoff, that heightened under the previous interim administration, have been lifted.
The decision comes days after Tarique Rahman was sworn in Bangladesh’s Prime Minister following BNP’s landslide victory in the February 12 general election.
The move is being seen as a foreign policy priority and course correction by Tarique’s government, aimed at stabilising relations with India and restoring people-to-people contacts disrupted since December 2025.
Visa services were partially halted by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, amid rising tensions over security issues, protests, and attacks on minority Hindus, temples and diplomatic sites. Thousands of people including patients seeking treatment in India, students, traders, and families with cross-border links were affected during the freeze in relations between the two neighbours.
Bangladeshi missions have started clearing all backlog and new applications.
India has reciprocated, with New Delhi swiftly reinstating full visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals at its centres in Bangladesh.
