Following recent political changes in Bangladesh, diplomatic ties between the two countries are showing signs of improvement. Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken a significant step to strengthen relations with India, announcing on Friday the resumption of visa services that had been suspended for the past two months. This move is expected to ease tensions that had developed between the two nations.
The Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi has restarted visa issuance for Indian citizens across all categories, including tourism, medical, and business. Indian Embassy officials in Dhaka have confirmed that visa services for Bangladeshi citizens will soon resume as well, ensuring reciprocal facilitation of travel and collaboration between the countries.
Relations had been strained since December last year, when the interim Bangladesh government pursued anti-India policies. Security concerns, including attacks on the Hindu community three months ago and demands for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, had contributed to the suspension of visa services.
Remarkably, just three days after taking office, Tarique Rahman made this positive diplomatic gesture toward India. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony and presented an invitation letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Analysts say the move will strengthen trade, medical cooperation, and people-to-people relations, particularly as Bangladesh navigates ongoing economic and political challenges.