Archive · 19 Dec 2025
India-Bangladesh Relations Amid Political Turmoil
India has reopened its visa centre in Dhaka but closed two others in Khulna and Rajshahi because of protests.
People were protesting against India, saying they want the former prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who is in India, to come back and face trial.
The protests were stopped by police, army, and navy.
India is worried about the safety of its missions in Bangladesh and has talked to Bangladesh's government about it.
Bangladesh says it will keep foreign missions safe during their upcoming elections in February.
India and Bangladesh have strong ties in trade, energy, and security, but there are concerns about how India will handle the upcoming elections.
Both countries need to work together to maintain good relations.
India resumed operations at its visa application centre in Dhaka after a temporary closure due to security concerns.
Two other IVAC centres in Khulna and Rajshahi were closed on December 18, 2025, due to anti-India protests.
Protestors demanded the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial.
India-Bangladesh relations are strong in trade, energy, and security, but political dynamics are complex.
India aims to engage across the political spectrum in Bangladesh and support free, fair, and credible elections.
- Who
- Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC), anti-India protestors in Bangladesh, Indian and Bangladeshi governments
- What
- Resumption of IVAC operations in Dhaka, closure of two other centres due to protests, and India-Bangladesh relations amid political turmoil
- When
- December 18, 2025, with upcoming elections on February 12, 2026
- Where
- Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
- Why
- Security concerns amid anti-India protests and historical political dynamics
Anti-India Protestors
Indian Government
Sheikh Hasina's Return
Anti-India Protestors
Demand the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial.
Indian Government
No official stance mentioned, but concerned about security of Indian missions.
Protest Legitimacy
Anti-India Protestors
Protest against Indian hegemony and demand justice for Sheikh Hasina.
Indian Government
Rejects false narratives by extremist elements and calls for peace and stability.
- Location of Resumed Operation
- Dhaka
- Closed Centres
- Khulna, Rajshahi
- Protest Groups
- Bharityo Adhipotto Birodhi July 36 Mancha, Unity Against Indian Hegemony
- Protest Demands
- Return of Sheikh Hasina for trial
- Security Measures
- Police, army, and navy deployed
- Indian Response
- Summoned Bangladesh envoy, expressed concerns
- Bangladesh Assurance
- Adequate security for foreign missions ahead of February polls
- Bilateral Trade
- $13.46 billion in FY 2024-25
- Energy Cooperation
- 2,000 megawatts of electricity from India, valued at approximately $1.08 billion in 2024
Sources
India resumes visa centre operation in Dhaka, functioning suspended at two others following protests
India halts 2 visa centres in Bangladesh over security concerns
Bangladesh Crisis 'Greatest Challenge' For India Since 1971: Tharoor-Led Panel Flags China, Pak's Growing Footprint
India Resumes Operations At Dhaka Visa Centre After Closure Due To Protests
Bangladesh protests turn violent after death of anti-India leader Sharif Osman Hadi; Awami League office, media houses torched – VIDEO
Bangladesh rocked by unrest over death of student leader
Why Unstable Bangladesh Is Bad News For India - Is Delhi–Dhaka Distance Increasing?
