Bangladesh’s decision to suspend visa operations at its deputy high commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai was taken on December 29, 2025, but its implementation was deferred following the death of BNP chairperson, Khaleda Zia, on December 30, said sources in intelligence establishments in Dhaka.
A formal communication conveying the suspension was later sent to Indian authorities in New Delhi on January 7, they added.
The move came in response to India’s Ministry of External Affairs suspending visa services for Bangladeshi nationals at the deputy high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi and Khulna.
Bangladeshi authorities have cited security concerns for suspending visa services here, pointing to demonstrations by Indian political groups after attacks on India’s deputy high commissions in Chittagong and Khulna. However, senior officials in Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said the reciprocal visa suspensions are part of an unprecedented cooling of ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, with little prospect of immediate normalisation.
The decision was reportedly finalised after Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, was called back to Dhaka at short notice on December 30 for consultations.
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Tensions have further aggravated between the two nations by developments in cricket diplomacy, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) having publicly called for shifting all Twenty20 World Cup matches involving the Bangladesh team from Indian venues to Sri Lanka. The tournament is scheduled for February–March 2026.
Sources said the call to relocate match venues was influenced by three advisers in Bangladesh’s interim administration – Asif Nazrul, Syeda Rezwana Hasan and Adilur Rahman Khan – all of whom are said to have maintained close links with US State Department and security officials prior to August 2024, and to currently have discreet contacts with both US and Pakistani officials.
The BCB’s move followed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recommending the exclusion of Bangladesh fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, in the Kolkata Knight Riders squad.
Against this backdrop, the foreign travel of Bangladesh National Security Adviser, Khalilur Rahman, has also drawn attention. Rahman left Dhaka for the United Arab Emirates and is expected to travel onward to the United States, where he is likely to meet officials from the US State Department and security agencies.
His visit comes ahead of the arrival of newly appointed US ambassador, Brent Christensen, in Dhaka on January 12. Rahman is scheduled to return to Bangladesh the same day.
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also arrived in Dubai on January 7, though sources said a meeting between him and Khalilur Rahman is unlikely.
With Bangladesh heading towards national elections on February 12, 2026, officials say domestic political considerations are heavily influencing foreign policy decisions. The Mohammad Yunus-led interim administration, which is awaiting Ambassador Christensen’s arrival following the departure of US Charge d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson, is not expected to take steps to ease tensions with India in the near term.
Diplomatic observers note that much will depend on Washington’s approach towards Dhaka and whether the new US envoy encourages restraint to prevent further escalation in India–Bangladesh relations ahead of the crucial polls.
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