Tarique Rahman’s tenure opens diplomatic reset between Delhi, Dhaka
In a strong signal of diplomatic recalibration after months of strain, India has begun steps to fully restore visa services in Bangladesh, with senior officials indicating that normal operations could resume in the near future. The move follows the political transition in Dhaka and comes shortly after Tarique Rahman assumed office as prime minister, ushering in what both sides describe as a renewed phase in bilateral engagement.
The Indian mission in Bangladesh has confirmed that work is underway to reinstate all categories of visas that were curtailed during the recent period of unrest and diplomatic unease. India’s senior consular official in Sylhet, Aniruddha Das, said that while medical and double-entry visas are currently being processed, additional categories — including regular travel visas — are expected to resume in phases.
“Medical and double-entry visas are being issued now, and steps are underway to resume other categories, including travel visas,” he said at the Sylhet District Press Club, underscoring New Delhi’s intention to ease cross-border mobility.
The latest development comes after the departure of Muhammad Yunus from the centre of power in Dhaka. Diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh had experienced visible friction during the interim administration, particularly after India extended refuge to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina following her exit from Bangladesh in August 2024.
Following a sweeping electoral victory by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Rahman secured a two-thirds majority in parliament and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend his swearing-in ceremony. Modi congratulated Rahman on his party’s win and invited him to visit India after formally assuming office — moves seen as efforts to stabilise and rebuild trust between the two neighbours.
