The visa sections of three Bangladesh missions in India have been temporarily closed on security grounds, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed on Friday. He did not name the missions but said the closures are precautionary measures to ensure staff and visitor safety amid recent unrest near diplomatic premises.
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Diplomatic sources later identified the affected missions as the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala. Meanwhile, the visa offices in Chennai and Mumbai continue to operate normally. The closures come after weeks of protests outside Bangladesh missions in India, raising concerns for staff security.
Touhid also addressed questions about Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman being dropped from the Indian Premier League amid anti-Bangladesh demonstrations. He supported Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul’s decision not to send the national cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing safety concerns. Matches will instead be relocated to co-host Sri Lanka, he said, emphasizing that both players and fans’ security must be a priority.
The adviser noted that such security-related issues may affect bilateral relations from time to time but stressed that decisions will be guided by Bangladesh’s national interest. He gave examples such as ensuring player safety, while also highlighting that trade decisions, such as purchasing rice from India, will continue based on mutual interests.
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Bangladesh’s move reflects heightened caution following political changes in the country and rising tensions with Indian demonstrators. Authorities have not provided a timeline for reopening the closed visa sections. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and will take further steps as required to safeguard its citizens and diplomatic staff abroad.