Bangladesh Suspends Visa Services in 3 Indian Cities Amid Rising Tensions

Bangladesh has indefinitely suspended visa services in three Indian cities - New Delhi, Agartala, and Siliguri - due to escalating tensions between the two nations. The move comes after a series of protests and vandalism incidents near Bangladesh's missions in India, including a recent incident where a group of protesters gathered outside the high commission in New Delhi. According to sources, the suspension of visa services was prompted by protests in Tripura and vandalism in Siliguri, where a private operator offering visa services on behalf of Bangladesh was targeted. The notices issued by the missions cited 'unavoidable circumstances' for the suspension. The situation has been exacerbated by unrest in Bangladesh, which has seen widespread demonstrations against India following the death of radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi, a critic of India, died after being shot in Dhaka and later treated in Singapore. Tensions between the two nations have been escalating since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, with the recent unrest over Hadi's death further straining the relationship. India has rejected reports of a security breach at the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi as 'misleading propaganda,' while Bangladesh's de facto foreign minister has disputed the Indian side's account of the incident. The suspension of visa services is likely to impact travelers and businesses reliant on these services. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear when the services will be restored. As the tensions between India and Bangladesh continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.