India Bangladesh tensions relations have come under renewed strain after New Delhi shut down two visa application centres in Bangladesh and summoned the country’s envoy to lodge a strong diplomatic protest. The developments come amid protests in Bangladeshi cities and growing concerns in India over the security of its diplomatic missions.
The decision to temporarily close visa centres in Khulna and Rajshahi, coupled with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoning Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah, signals a serious escalation at a time when bilateral ties are already under pressure. The backdrop includes political instability in Bangladesh, protests over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India, and provocative rhetoric from political leaders in Dhaka.
Here is a detailed look at what triggered the latest tensions, how events unfolded on the ground, and what it could mean for India–Bangladesh relations going forward.
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Why India Shut Visa Application Centres in India Bangladesh tensions
According to officials from the High Commission of India in Dhaka, the visa application centres in Khulna and Rajshahi were shut following protests that raised serious security concerns. Both cities witnessed demonstrations on Thursday, prompting Indian authorities to suspend operations at the centres.
An official quoted by news agencies said the decision was driven purely by safety considerations. “Whenever the security situation turns bad, we are forced to shut down,” the official explained, underlining that the move was precautionary rather than punitive.
Visa services are a critical link between the two neighbours, with thousands of Bangladeshis travelling to India every day for medical treatment, education, business, and tourism. Any disruption inevitably affects ordinary citizens on both sides of the border.
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Importantly, officials clarified that the visa application centre in Dhaka has resumed operations, indicating that India does not intend to halt visa services across Bangladesh entirely.
Protests in Rajshahi and Khulna: What Happened on the Ground
The immediate trigger for the shutdown was a series of protests in Rajshahi and Khulna. In Rajshahi, a protest march was organised by a group calling itself ‘July 36 Mancha’. The march began around midday from Bhadra Mor and was aimed at the Indian Assistant High Commission.
As the procession moved forward, police intervened and erected barricades roughly 100 metres before the Assistant High Commission office. Protesters were stopped midway and prevented from reaching the diplomatic premises.
Following the intervention, demonstrators staged a sit-in protest near the barricades, demanding permission to proceed further. Similar protest calls were reported in Khulna on the same day, adding to concerns about coordinated unrest.
While no major violence was reported, the protests were enough to alarm Indian authorities, given the sensitivity around diplomatic missions and the obligation of host governments to ensure their security.
Summoning of the Bangladeshi Envoy: A Strong Diplomatic Signal
Against this backdrop, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah on Wednesday. During the meeting, India lodged a strong protest over what it described as the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh.
The MEA reportedly conveyed its concerns about threats to Indian diplomatic missions, particularly in Dhaka. According to an official readout, New Delhi expects Bangladesh’s interim government to uphold its diplomatic obligations and ensure the safety of all Indian missions and personnel.
“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of missions and posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the MEA said, underscoring the seriousness with which India views the issue.
Summoning an envoy is a standard diplomatic tool, but it is also a clear signal of displeasure. In this case, it reflects India’s concern that protests and political rhetoric in Bangladesh could spill over into threats against its diplomatic presence.
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The Role of Political Rhetoric in Escalating Tensions
Officials familiar with the matter say one of the key triggers for summoning the Bangladeshi envoy was a controversial speech by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah.
In his speech earlier this week, Abdullah reportedly claimed that Bangladesh could shelter separatist forces from India and even sever the country’s seven northeastern states from the rest of India. Such remarks struck a raw nerve in New Delhi, given India’s long-standing concerns about cross-border militancy and insurgency in its northeastern region.
Indian officials view such statements not only as irresponsible but also as potentially dangerous, especially at a time when political instability in Bangladesh has heightened sensitivities.
The speech added fuel to an already tense atmosphere, reinforcing India’s perception that extremist or provocative elements could exploit the situation to target Indian interests.
Sheikh Hasina’s Presence in India and Its Fallout
Another major factor straining ties is India’s decision to provide shelter to former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina after she was ousted during the July uprising last year.
Hasina’s presence in India has become a rallying point for protests in Bangladesh. Demonstrators have accused New Delhi of interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, while Indian officials maintain that humanitarian considerations guided their actions.
On Wednesday, Dhaka police stopped a group of protesters marching towards the Indian High Commission in the capital’s Gulshan area. According to reports in Bangladeshi media, the protesters were demanding Hasina’s return to Bangladesh.
The repeated attempts to march towards Indian diplomatic missions have heightened security concerns and contributed to the current diplomatic standoff.
Security of Diplomatic Missions: A Core Issue
Under international law, host countries are obligated to ensure the safety and security of foreign diplomatic missions. Any perceived failure to do so is taken extremely seriously in diplomatic circles.
India’s decision to shut visa centres and summon the Bangladeshi envoy reflects its assessment that the security environment has become unpredictable in certain regions of Bangladesh.
While Bangladesh’s authorities have intervened to stop protest marches and maintain order, Indian officials appear unconvinced that the risks have been fully mitigated, especially given the charged political atmosphere.
The situation highlights how domestic political unrest can quickly translate into diplomatic friction, particularly between close neighbours with deep people-to-people ties.
Impact on Ordinary Citizens and Bilateral Engagement
The temporary closure of visa centres is likely to inconvenience thousands of Bangladeshis who rely on Indian visas for a variety of reasons.
India remains one of the most popular destinations for Bangladeshi citizens seeking affordable medical treatment, higher education, and business opportunities. Even short-term disruptions can have significant human and economic consequences.
At the same time, Indian businesses and institutions with ties to Bangladesh may feel the ripple effects of strained relations, particularly if tensions persist.
However, the resumption of operations at the Dhaka visa centre suggests that India is trying to balance security concerns with the need to maintain essential services.
Historical Context: A Relationship Tested Before
India and Bangladesh share a complex but generally cooperative relationship, marked by close cultural ties, economic cooperation, and security collaboration.
Over the years, the two countries have worked together on issues ranging from border management and counterterrorism to trade and connectivity. However, relations have also faced periodic setbacks, often linked to political changes in Dhaka or contentious domestic issues.
The current episode is not the first time that protests or political rhetoric in Bangladesh have spilled over into diplomatic tensions. What makes this situation particularly sensitive is the combination of internal instability, provocative statements, and direct threats—real or perceived—to Indian diplomatic missions.
What Happens Next?
Much will depend on how the interim government in Bangladesh responds to India’s concerns. Ensuring the security of Indian missions and toning down inflammatory rhetoric could help de-escalate tensions.
On India’s part, maintaining open diplomatic channels while clearly articulating red lines will be crucial. Both sides have strong incentives to prevent a prolonged downturn in relations, given their shared history and mutual interests.
Diplomatic observers say that while the situation is serious, it is still manageable if handled with restraint. Temporary measures such as shutting visa centres can be reversed quickly if security conditions improve.
At the same time, the episode serves as a reminder of how fragile regional stability can be, particularly when domestic political upheaval intersects with international diplomacy.
Conclusion: A Delicate Moment for India–Bangladesh Relations
The shutdown of visa centres and the summoning of the Bangladeshi envoy mark a tense moment in India–Bangladesh relations. Protests in Khulna and Rajshahi, combined with controversial political statements and the sensitive issue of Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India, have created a volatile mix.
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For now, both governments appear to be treading cautiously, aware that escalation would harm ordinary citizens and broader regional stability. How quickly tensions ease will depend on concrete steps to ensure security, responsible political discourse, and continued diplomatic engagement.
As events continue to unfold, the focus will remain on whether India and Bangladesh can navigate this challenging phase without allowing it to derail a relationship that has long been vital for both nations.
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By The News Update — Updated December 18, 2025
