Bangladesh halts visa services in New Delhi amid security concerns

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended all visa and consular services at its High Commission in New Delhi following a security incident outside the mission.

According to senior officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the suspension will remain in effect for an indefinite period as authorities assess the situation.

The incident occurred on Saturday night when a group of 20 to 25 people, believed to belong to an extremist organization, gathered outside the High Commission. They shouted anti-Bangladesh slogans and reportedly issued threats against Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah.

Speaking in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Mohammad Touhid Hossain, expressed deep concern over the event. He noted that the High Commission is located in a highly secure diplomatic zone, making it troubling that such individuals were able to reach the area.

“The High Commissioner and his family are under severe mental stress and feel unsafe,” Hossain added.

The temporary halt in visa and consular services will affect both Bangladeshi and Indian citizens who rely on the Delhi mission for travel documents. Officials said they are in contact with Indian authorities and expect assurances regarding the safety and security of diplomatic staff and the mission.

This development comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, highlighting concerns about the protection of diplomatic missions in both countries.