India is preparing to restart issuance of all categories of visas for Bangladeshi citizens within the next few weeks, according to a report by The Indian Express published on Saturday.
The move comes after Bangladesh reopened all visa categories for Indian nationals in February, marking an important step towards restoring full consular services and improving bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Earlier this month, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman raised the issue during a visit to New Delhi, urging India to reciprocate Dhaka’s initiative to normalise cross-border travel.
Following the political changes after the July Mass Uprising and the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024, relations between the two countries had become strained under the interim administration. During that period, India significantly restricted visa issuance, limiting it mainly to emergency medical and family cases, although services were not fully suspended.
Diplomatic engagement has since improved after the BNP-led government assumed office earlier this year. In February, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Parliament Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, signalling renewed momentum in ties.
At present, the Bangladesh diplomatic missions in India, including the High Commission in New Delhi and consulates in Kolkata, Agartala, Mumbai and Chennai, are operating fully.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah said some visa centres had temporarily closed in December but resumed operations in February.
According to the High Commission, Bangladesh issued around 12,000 visas to Indian citizens in the past two months following the full reopening of services on 20 February. These include business, tourism, medical and family visit visas.
Diplomatic sources cited by The Indian Express said that once visa services are fully restored, both countries are expected to expand cooperation in trade, energy, and economic sectors. High-level bilateral meetings are also anticipated in the coming weeks.
The report added that the full normalisation of visa operations may coincide with the arrival of the new Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, who is expected to assume charge shortly.
