Saturday, 10 January, 2026
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed on Thursday (8 January 2026) that Bangladesh has asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed temporarily on security grounds.
“What I have done is ask our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Although he did not name the missions, diplomatic sources identified them as the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala. Bangladesh also maintains missions in Mumbai and Chennai.
On the safety of national cricketers, the Foreign Adviser expressed full support for Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, who on Wednesday confirmed that Bangladesh would not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He reiterated the country’s demand to relocate its matches to co-host Sri Lanka.
Speaking after a meeting with directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Asif Nazrul said: “We have discussed the situation. The Bangladesh team played hard and qualified for the T20 World Cup. As a cricket-crazy nation, we certainly want to play—but not at the expense of national dignity or player safety.”
“We will certainly play outside India,” Hossain added.
Asked about the impact on bilateral relations, he acknowledged that while each diplomatic issue carries some negative consequences, Bangladesh will continue to protect its economic interests. On potential trade, he said business will continue where opportunities exist, such as sourcing rice at competitive prices.
Regarding Bangladesh’s possible procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, Hossain said: “I cannot comment today. Talks are underway, and details will be shared once finalised.”
On the US visa bond requirement, Hossain described the measure as “unfortunate but not abnormal,” noting that Bangladesh is among 38 countries now required to post bonds of up to US$15,000 when applying for US visas. “The decision is not unique to Bangladesh. Several countries facing immigration challenges have been included,” he said.
Hossain stressed that the interim government has consistently opposed irregular migration, describing it as the only sustainable solution. He added that while migrants crossing the Mediterranean deserve sympathy, laws are being violated.
According to the US Department of State, the new bond requirements for Bangladesh and other recently added countries will take effect on 21 January, following a phased expansion of the programme that began in August last year.
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Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed on Thursday (8 January 2026) that Bangladesh has asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed temporarily on security grounds.
“What I have done is ask our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Although he did not name the missions, diplomatic sources identified them as the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala. Bangladesh also maintains missions in Mumbai and Chennai.
On the safety of national cricketers, the Foreign Adviser expressed full support for Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, who on Wednesday confirmed that Bangladesh would not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He reiterated the country’s demand to relocate its matches to co-host Sri Lanka.
Speaking after a meeting with directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Asif Nazrul said: “We have discussed the situation. The Bangladesh team played hard and qualified for the T20 World Cup. As a cricket-crazy nation, we certainly want to play—but not at the expense of national dignity or player safety.”
“We will certainly play outside India,” Hossain added.
Asked about the impact on bilateral relations, he acknowledged that while each diplomatic issue carries some negative consequences, Bangladesh will continue to protect its economic interests. On potential trade, he said business will continue where opportunities exist, such as sourcing rice at competitive prices.
Regarding Bangladesh’s possible procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, Hossain said: “I cannot comment today. Talks are underway, and details will be shared once finalised.”
On the US visa bond requirement, Hossain described the measure as “unfortunate but not abnormal,” noting that Bangladesh is among 38 countries now required to post bonds of up to US$15,000 when applying for US visas. “The decision is not unique to Bangladesh. Several countries facing immigration challenges have been included,” he said.
Hossain stressed that the interim government has consistently opposed irregular migration, describing it as the only sustainable solution. He added that while migrants crossing the Mediterranean deserve sympathy, laws are being violated.
According to the US Department of State, the new bond requirements for Bangladesh and other recently added countries will take effect on 21 January, following a phased expansion of the programme that began in August last year.
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