India and Bangladesh Relations Thaw as Visa Services Set for Full Comeback

India is moving toward a full restoration of visa services in Bangladesh, signalling a significant thaw in ties after nearly two years of disruptions triggered by political unrest and security concerns.

Speaking at the Sylhet District Press Club, senior Indian consular official Aniruddha Das confirmed that work is underway to resume all categories of visas for Bangladeshi applicants. Limited services are already active, primarily medical and double-entry visas, with travel and other categories expected to reopen in phases.

From Shutdown to Gradual Reopening

Visa operations were first suspended nationwide on 8 August 2024 during the July uprising that removed the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. India described the move as necessary due to an "unstable situation" and closed all Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) across Bangladesh - an unprecedented step.

Before the crisis, India reportedly issued around 8,000 visas per day to Bangladeshi citizens. After the restrictions, that number dropped sharply to about 1,500 daily, mostly for urgent medical cases.

Fresh disruptions came in November 2025 following anti-India protests after the death of radical leader Osman Hadi. IVACs in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi were shut in stages, and by 17 December 2025, India had halted almost all remaining visa services citing security threats to its missions. Bangladesh responded by suspending visas at its consulates in New Delhi, Kolkata and Agartala.

Political Reset Under New Leadership

Relations deteriorated further during the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, amid rising anti-India rhetoric and public resentment tied to perceptions that New Delhi had backed Hasina's government.

The diplomatic atmosphere shifted again after the 12 February election, when Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman became Prime Minister. Both sides have since signalled a willingness to stabilise ties rooted in deep historical, cultural and economic links.

Das framed the visa restoration as part of that broader reset. "Medical and double-entry visas are being issued now, and steps are under way to resume other categories, including travel visas," he said, emphasising a phased approach rather than an immediate return to pre-crisis volumes.

He added that India-Bangladesh relations are founded on mutual respect and stressed that ordinary citizens remain the key stakeholders in rebuilding trust.

A Diplomatic Signal

The planned full restart of visa services represents more than a consular adjustment. It marks a tangible diplomatic gesture after months of tension, protest and reciprocal restrictions.