Bangladesh restores all visa services for Indians: Tarique Rahman’s government signals New Delhi thaw | India News
In a significant move to improve relations, the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Friday officially resumed full visa services for Indian citizens. This decision comes just three days after Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This marks a significant shift in Dhaka’s foreign policy towards New Delhi.
Visa services were suspended for approximately two months following the sharp decline in relations in December 2025. The resumption shows that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leadership is primarily focused on stabilizing bilateral relations.
The end of the diplomatic freeze
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Relations between the two neighbors deteriorated sharply in late 2025 following the killing of anti-India student leader Sharif Usman Hadi. The incident sparked mass protests across Bangladesh; During these protests, some groups targeted the Hindu minority and committed lynchings.
In response to the worsening security situation and rising anti-India sentiments, both countries have reduced consular operations. While business and work visas remain partially active, medical and tourist visas have been completely suspended. As of Friday morning, the Bangladesh High Commission confirmed that all categories, including tourism, are now fully operational.
India will respond in Sylhet and Dhaka
Dhaka’s decision led to reciprocal action by India. On Thursday, Senior Consular Officer of India in Sylhet Aniruddha Das told Bangladesh media that New Delhi is working to fully reinstate all visa categories for Bangladeshi citizens.
“We are currently prioritizing and issuing medical visas and double entry visas. However, the process of resuming travel and other visa categories is on track and we will resume normal operations very soon,” Das said.
Will Prime Minister Tarique Rahman choose Delhi for his first foreign visit?
Diplomatic circles are abuzz with speculation regarding Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s first official trip abroad. Earlier this week, Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s representative.
Birla extended a formal invitation from Prime Minister Modi, requesting Rahman to visit India. The gesture is aimed at resetting relations after the previous administration under Mohammed Younis broke with tradition by choosing China for the first official visit last year, causing much discomfort in New Delhi.
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