NEW DELHI: Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have sharply deteriorated as Dhaka suspended all visa and consular services across its missions in India, citing “unavoidable circumstances,” amid shooting of another student leader in Bangladesh.
Visa services at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala have been halted, effectively freezing people-to-people contacts, business travel, academic exchanges and family visits, particularly affecting India’s northeastern region. Notices offered no timeline for resumption.
Tensions intensified further with the shooting of Bangladeshi student leader and labour organiser Motaleb Sikder in Khulna on Monday. Sikder, affiliated with the National Citizens Party-linked labour wing, was attacked near Al Aqsa Mosque Road in the Sonadanga area. Though he survived, Bangladesh sees India’s hand in growing attacks inside the country.
The worsening situation has drawn international attention, with Russia urging both sides to de-escalate. Russian Ambassador Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin called for restraint and stability ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, stressing that further deterioration in ties would have regional repercussions.
Observers say the suspension of visa services signals a serious diplomatic rupture and reflects deepening mistrust between the two neighbours.
