Bangladesh has indefinitely suspended visa services at its missions in Delhi and Agartala following unprecedented protests by extremist Hindu groups and alleged threats directed at the Bangladeshi High Commissioner. Sources at the Segunbagicha headquarters in Dhaka and the respective missions confirmed to Manob Zamin that the decision was taken under instructions from the interim government.
The suspension comes amid a significant deterioration in Bangladesh–India diplomatic relations, fuelled by a series of recent confrontations. On Saturday night, protesters gathered at the gate of Bangladesh House in New Delhi’s secure diplomatic zone. A group of extremists, allegedly linked to radical Hindu organisations, reportedly breached several security perimeters and gathered near the High Commissioner’s residence, chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans and issuing verbal threats. Reports from Dhaka indicated that the Bangladeshi envoy and his family were left in extreme distress during the incident.
Simultaneously, in Siliguri, West Bengal, a Bangladesh visa centre was vandalised by activists from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Jagaran Manch, and other local groups. The demonstrators protested alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, including the killing of Dipu Das, demanding justice and accountability. Following the attack, the centre, operated by DU Digital, was closed temporarily.
In Kolkata, various groups—including the National Congress and the Atheist Forum—held protest marches near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. Security forces intervened to prevent demonstrators from approaching the mission, while delegations presented formal grievances. West Bengal opposition leader and BJP legislator Shuvendu Adhikari reportedly led one such protest march.
The diplomatic strain has prompted official statements from both sides. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md. Touhid Hossain, questioned how extremist protesters could access a supposedly secure diplomatic zone, emphasising the need for enhanced security. Conversely, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no security breach occurred at Bangladesh House in Delhi, stating that a group of 20–25 individuals protested peacefully before dispersal by police. Indian officials also confirmed ongoing monitoring of the situation in Bangladesh and stressed the importance of protecting minority communities.
Summary of Recent Protests and Visa Disruptions
| Date | Location | Event | Organisers | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Dec | New Delhi | Protest at Bangladesh House | Radical Hindu groups | Visa services suspended; High Commissioner allegedly threatened |
| 21 Dec | Siliguri | Bangladesh visa centre vandalised | VHP, Hindu Jagaran Manch, Siliguri local units | Centre closed; security heightened |
| 21 Dec | Kolkata | Protest marches near Deputy High Commission | National Congress, Atheist Forum, Hindu groups | Police intervention; delegations submitted grievances |
The incidents reflect growing tensions between the two countries, particularly over the treatment of minority communities in Bangladesh. Both governments continue to communicate through diplomatic channels, while citizens are urged to stay informed about visa services.