Dhaka, Dec 22 – In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tension, Bangladesh has suspended all visa and consular services from its Missions in New Delhi and Agartala, citing “unavoidable circumstances.” 


The unprecedented move comes in the wake of a spate of violent incidents and direct threats targeting Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh.



“Due to unavoidable circumstances, all consular & visa services from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi are temporarily suspended until further notice,” the High Commission announced, apologising for the disruption. 


A similar notice came from the Assistant High Commission in Agartala, effective from December 23, 2025, leaving applicants in uncertainty.



The disruption is particularly alarming for patients seeking urgent medical treatment in India, many of whom now face indefinite delays. 


Despite the tense backdrop, Indian visa centers in Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi continue to operate, officials said.



Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma visited the IVAC at Jamuna Future Park on Monday, interacting with visa applicants and assessing operations. The visit underscored the dual challenge of providing vital services while safeguarding staff amid a volatile security environment.


The suspension follows a series of alarming security incidents. Last week, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka faced “serious threats,” forcing a temporary shutdown of the IVAC at Jamuna Future Park. 


In Chittagong, the Assistant High Commission was attacked by a mob on December 18–19, with stone-pelting and threats endangering both officials and residents inside the compound.


Beyond physical threats, officials flagged systemic disruptions: fake documents, interference by middlemen, and attempts to manipulate visa servers, depriving genuine applicants of slots.


High Commissioner Verma assured that the concerns would be raised with relevant authorities in Bangladesh, emphasising the urgent need to restore secure and reliable services.


As the suspension stretches on, thousands remain in limbo, with medical emergencies, business travel, and personal plans hanging in the balance. 


The crisis exposes critical vulnerabilities in diplomatic security and raises urgent questions about the safety of missions in volatile contexts.


With tensions simmering, the eyes of both nations are now on how swiftly normal operations can resume—and whether the security threats that triggered this disruption have been fully neutralised.