Highlights:
- Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi suspends all consular and visa services
- Move follows India’s suspension of visa operations in Chittagong after a security incident
- Indian government rejects claims of a serious protest threat at Bangladesh mission
- Incident linked to outrage over the killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh
- Both countries say they are monitoring the situation and coordinating diplomatically
Bangladesh has temporarily suspended all consular and visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi, citing 'unavoidable circumstances,' according to an official notice issued on Monday (22). The suspension will remain in effect until further notice, the mission said, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused to applicants.
The decision comes amid heightened security concerns involving diplomatic facilities in both countries. A notice posted outside the Bangladesh High Commission confirmed that visa and consular operations have been halted, though no specific timeline was provided for their resumption.
The move follows India's recent decision to suspend visa services at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Indian authorities said the suspension was prompted by a security incident at the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in Chittagong.
“Due to a recent security incident at AHCI Chittagong, Indian visa operations at IVAC Chittagong will remain suspended until further notice,” IVAC said in a statement, adding that services would resume only after a comprehensive assessment fo the local security environment.
Tensions rose last week after reports of unrest near the Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi. Indian officials, however, dismissed claims in sections of the Bangladeshi media suggesting the protest posed a serious security threat.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the demonstration was brief and peaceful, involving a small group of protestors condemning the killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh. According to the MEA, approximately 20-25 people gathered outside the mission on Saturday (20) to protest the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and to call for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh.
"There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. He added that police dispersed the group within minutes and emphasized that India remains committed to ensuring the safety of all foreign diplomatic missions under the Vienna Convention.
The protest followed the killing of Das, which sparked widespread outrage in India and renewed international concern over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi authorities said Das was killed by a mob over allegations of blasphemy, an incident that drew sharp condemnation from rights groups and foreign governments.
Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion has arrested seven suspects in connection with the killing, while police have detained three additional individuals. Officials in Dhaka said investigations are ongoing.
The Indian government said it is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh and remains in contact with Bangladeshi authorities. “We have conveyed our strong concerns over attacks on minorities and urged that the perpetrators be brought to justice,” Jaiswal said.
The reciprocal suspension of consular services underscores growing diplomatic strain as both countries navigate security challenges and public outrage, even as officials on both sides emphasize continued engagement and coordination.
