Dhaka, Dec 06 (V7N) — Bangladesh has imposed restrictions on visa issuance for Indian citizens, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries. While no official announcement was made, a confidential letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday directed the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata to halt the issuance of bulk visas. The Kolkata mission began implementing the directive on Friday.

This move follows the suspension of all activities, including visa processing, at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Tripura after a violent attack and vandalism incident.

No similar restrictions have yet been issued for Bangladesh's missions in Delhi or Assam. However, officials suggest that such measures could follow, depending on the situation in these locations.

Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India appear to have reached their lowest point since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, Sikder Md. Ashraful Rahman, and Assistant High Commissioner in Tripura, Arif Mohammad, to Dhaka indefinitely on Wednesday. Both officials returned within 24 hours of the directive.

The Indian government has condemned the attack on the Tripura mission, expressing "deep regret." Authorities have arrested seven individuals involved and suspended three police officers for negligence.

The diplomatic strain coincides with recent political upheavals in Bangladesh. Following the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 in a mass uprising, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed power. Relations between the two nations have since deteriorated, with growing friction over issues related to minority rights and border tensions.

Observers note that this visa restriction, coupled with other diplomatic measures, underscores the depth of the current impasse between Dhaka and New Delhi.

END/MSS/AJ