Bangladesh and India Resume Visa Services, Signaling Improved Relations
Following a period of strained ties, Bangladesh and India are taking steps to normalize relations with the resumption of visa services. This move comes after a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the February 12th elections and the subsequent formation of a latest government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Recent Developments
All Bangladesh missions in India resumed issuing visas of all categories on a limited scale on Friday, February 21, 2026, with plans to expand services in the coming week The Daily Star. The resumption follows a period where travel visas for Bangladeshis were restricted, along with limitations on other visa categories and certain trade practices, after the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024.
The strained relationship began after the ouster of the Awami League government in August 2024, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in New Delhi following widespread protests BBC News. Demonstrations occurred in various Indian cities, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Agartala, leading to a temporary suspension of visa services by Bangladesh in late December.
Diplomatic Efforts and Congratulations
A turning point came with Indian Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar’s attendance at the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on December 31, 2025. Subsequently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, sending a letter delivered by Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet on February 17, 2026 BBC News.
Aniruddha Das, assistant high commissioner of the Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet, announced on February 18, 2026, that all categories of Indian visas would gradually return to normal processing levels, with medical and double-entry visas already being issued The Daily Star.
Visa Statistics and Future Outlook
In 2023, approximately 2.12 million Bangladeshi tourists visited India, and as of August 2024, that number reached 1.29 million The Daily Star. These numbers decreased following the July 2024 uprising. The majority of Bangladeshi visitors travel to India for medical treatment, with a significant number also visiting for tourism and business purposes.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry officials have expressed appreciation for the positive gestures from the Indian side and anticipate a swift resumption of tourist visas The Daily Star. Bangladesh missions have been issuing visas to Indians on a need-to-basis, including for Indian-funded projects, students, and businesses, and are now expanding the issuance of all visa categories.
The resumption of visa services marks a significant step towards rebuilding trust and strengthening the multifaceted relationship between Bangladesh and India.