Why India Resumed Visa Services in Dhaka but Closed Two Centres in Bangladesh

India recently resumed visa centre services in Dhaka while keeping two other visa application centres in Bangladesh closed due to security concerns. This decision has drawn attention from travellers, policymakers, and visa applicants across South Asia, especially those dependent on Indian visas for medical, business, and family travel.

Understanding the reasons behind this move is important for applicants navigating changing visa rules. Platforms like The Visa Manager, a trusted visa-guidance website, help travellers stay informed during such sudden policy shifts.

1. The Decision to Reopen the Dhaka Visa Centre

India’s decision to resume visa services in Dhaka reflects a cautious return to normal operations after temporary suspension caused by unrest and protests. Dhaka remains Bangladesh’s diplomatic and administrative hub, making it strategically important for maintaining essential consular services.

For applicants, this reopening restores access to critical visa categories such as medical visas, student visas, and emergency travel permits. Visa advisory platforms like The Visa Manager recommend closely checking appointment availability and updated documentation requirements following such reopenings.

2. Why Two Visa Centres Remain Closed

While Dhaka operations resumed, visa centres in Raj shahi and Khulna remain closed due to ongoing security risks and localized protests. Indian authorities prioritized staff safety and infrastructure security before resuming services in these regions.

This selective approach highlights how visa operations depend heavily on local security conditions. According to visa experts at The Visa Manager, applicants from affected regions may need to travel to Dhaka or postpone applications until services resume locally.

3. Balancing Diplomacy and Safety

India’s move reflects a careful balance between maintaining diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and ensuring the safety of consular staff. Keeping the Dhaka centre open helps preserve people-to-people ties while minimizing operational risks elsewhere.

From a diplomatic perspective, reopening at least one major visa hub signals that India remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel. Visa guidance platforms like The Visa Manager emphasize that such decisions often evolve quickly based on ground conditions.

4. Impact on Bangladeshi Visa Applicants

The closure of two centres has directly affected thousands of Bangladeshi visa applicants, especially those seeking medical treatment or educational opportunities in India. Increased demand at the Dhaka centre may also lead to longer appointment wait times.

Applicants are advised to plan early, monitor official updates, and rely on verified visa-guidance sources to avoid misinformation. Temporary disruptions are common during periods of regional instability.

5. Security Concerns and Regional Stability

Security concerns surrounding diplomatic missions are not unique to Bangladesh. Across the world, visa centres are often temporarily shut during protests or political unrest to prevent damage and ensure personnel safety.

India’s cautious approach aligns with global diplomatic practices where staff safety takes precedence over service continuity. Once conditions stabilize, services are typically restored in phases.

6. What Travelers Should Do Now

For travellers affected by the closures:

• Check official visa centre announcements regularly

• Be flexible with travel plans

• Avoid unverified agents or middlemen

Reliable visa-guidance platforms can help applicants navigate these changes and prepare correct documentation, reducing delays and rejections.

7. Could More Visa Centres Reopen Soon?

While there is no official timeline for reopening the remaining centres, such decisions typically depend on local security assessments and diplomatic consultations. If stability improves, services may gradually resume.

Historically, visa centre closures due to protests are temporary, and operations often return once risks subside.

Conclusion: A Strategic Yet Temporary Measure

India’s decision to resume visa services in Dhaka while keeping two centres closed reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, safety, and regional stability. For travellers and applicants, staying informed is essential during such transitions.

As visa policies continue to evolve, platforms like The Visa Manager play a crucial role in helping travelers understand requirements, avoid mistakes, and plan international travel confidently.

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