Bangladesh has suspended all visa and consular services from its Missions in New Delhi and Agartala. “Due to unavoidable circumstances, all consular & visa services from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi are temporarily suspended until further notice,” said the High Commission in its notice, adding, “Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.” Bangladesh Assistant High Commission Agartala also issued a similar notice. “This is to inform all concerned that due to unavoidable circumstances all visa and consular services at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala will remain closed from tomorrow, 23 December 2025, until further notice.” Keeping humanitarian needs in mind and despite the evolving security situation, the High Commission of India continues to operate the visa centers at Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi, said officials at the Indian Visa Application Centre.  High Commissioner Pranay Verma visited the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) at the Jamuna Future Park on Monday to take stock of the functioning of the visa services.  He also interacted with visa applicants, many of whom were applying for medical visas to go to India for treatment. Given the "serious threats" last week at the Indian High Commission and its installations in Bangladesh, HCI had to shut down the operations at IVAC, JFP for a day last week, officials at IVAC said.  It was later opened and all the applicants whose appointment slots fell on that day were given an early alternative slot. Several people who apply for visas are travelling to India for treatment of serious medical conditions.  The IVAC at Chittagong is temporarily shut down following the mob attack at the entrance of AHCI Chittagong in the night of 18-19 December during which stone pelting and threats to break the entrance created serious insecurities for the AHC and other officials who live inside the same premises. During the visit of HC to IVAC, IVAC officials flagged the problems of large amounts of fake documents being submitted and also the disruption created by middlemen and touts who try to hack into visa servers and create artificial traffic depriving common visa applicants from genuine slots.  The High Commissioner assured to raise the concerns with relevant authorities in Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday reiterated his commitment to holding the general election on February 12 next. "The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime," he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, at around 7:30 pm (Dhaka time). The discussion, which lasted for about half an hour, focused on trade and tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States, the upcoming general election, the country’s democratic transition, and the murder of young Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Sergio Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Prof Yunus for his leadership during recent tariff negotiations.  Bangladesh succeeded in reducing US reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20 percent. The US Special Envoy also discussed the massive funeral of Shaheed Osman Hadi, said Chief Adviser’s Press wing. The Chief Adviser noted that supporters of the ousted autocratic regime were allegedly spending millions of dollars to disrupt the electoral process and that their fugitive leader was inciting violence.  He, however, said the interim government was “fully prepared” to deal with any challenges. “We have roughly 50 days to go before the election. We want to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. We want to make it remarkable,” Prof Yunus said. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the phone call.

Bangladesh stands on the cusp of a historic political moment as BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman prepares to set foot on his homeland on Thursday, ending nearly 18 years in exile in London. The anticipation is palpable, with a grand reception planned along the July 36 Expressway in Khilkhet, where a temporary stage has been erected under tight security. The return of Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and political heir, is far more than a personal homecoming—it could mark a watershed in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Analysts suggest his presence on home soil may reshape the opposition, reinvigorate party organisation, and energise a young electorate eager for change. For Gen-Z voters casting their first ballots in the national election on 12 February 2026, Tarique embodies a leader shaped by international exposure, modern political vision, and experience in navigating complex global and domestic challenges. Tarique Rahman’s exile has been marked by hardship and political persecution. Cut off from his party and country, he endured 17 years of distance from Bangladesh’s political arena, facing legal battles, marginalisation, and vilification under successive governments. Supporters view these years as a testament to his resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s opposition politics. Tarique Rahman’s homecoming comes at a critical juncture as Bangladesh stands at a political crossroads. With BNP still a frontrunner for the February elections, his presence could provide the direction, momentum, and leadership necessary to shape the nation’s future. For supporters, it is a moment of pride and anticipation; for opponents, a challenge that cannot be ignored. “History remembers those who redefine the rules of the game and reshape the landscape for generations to come,” notes a political analyst. In his absence, BNP struggled to maintain unity and discipline, operating largely from abroad. His return now promises to restore centralised leadership and reinvigorate grassroots supporters who have long seen his exile as emblematic of political victimisation. Symbolically, Tarique Rahman’s homecoming represents a reversal of the political conditions that forced senior opposition figures into exile. It signals a step toward political normalisation and pluralism, while institutional and state readiness for his arrival will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. His return is poised to recalibrate the political landscape ahead of national elections, intensifying competition, sharpening discourse, and compelling all major actors to engage in dialogue, electoral reforms, and power-sharing mechanisms. Observers agree: this is not merely a party milestone—it is a defining moment for Bangladesh’s post-authoritarian trajectory, with profound implications for opposition unity, electoral credibility, and the balance of power. Tarique Rahman will arrive on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-2020 from London’s Heathrow, accompanied by six family members, including his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. BNP sources confirm he will address supporters from within the 300-foot reception area, offering his gratitude to the nation. Preparations extend beyond the reception. Renovations at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence and arrangements at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan have been made to accommodate him. A specially equipped bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser has already arrived in Dhaka, while Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has pledged the highest level of protection for the leader’s return. Bangladesh Railway will operate 20 special trains across 10 routes on 25 December to facilitate travel for party leaders, supporters, and well-wishers. Extra carriages will be added to handle the expected surge, while three short-distance commuter services will be temporarily suspended. Railway officials expect these measures to generate around BDT 3.6 million in revenue, all while strictly adhering to the Election Code of Conduct–2025. Tarique Rahman’s homecoming comes at a critical juncture as Bangladesh stands at a political crossroads. With BNP still a frontrunner for the February elections, his presence could provide the direction, momentum, and leadership necessary to shape the nation’s future. For supporters, it is a moment of pride and anticipation; for opponents, a challenge that cannot be ignored. Ultimately, Tarique Rahman’s return is more than the journey of a political leader—it is a potential turning point for a nation yearning for renewed leadership, hope, and a redefined political horizon.