Bangladesh to Raise Tourist Visa Suspension Issue with India During Jaishankar–Rahman Meeting on 8 April 2026

Dhaka, April 5, 2026 — Bangladesh is set to formally press India to lift the recent suspension of tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals during a high-level bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen’s successor and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, scheduled for 8 April in New Delhi.

The upcoming talks come amid growing frustration in Bangladesh over India’s decision to suspend tourist visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens, a move that has severely affected travel, business visits, medical tourism, and family reunions between the two neighbouring countries.

Background of the Visa Suspension

India suspended the issuance of tourist visas (including e-Tourist visas) to Bangladeshi passport holders earlier this year, citing security concerns and administrative reasons. The suspension has created significant hardship for ordinary Bangladeshi citizens, particularly those who regularly travel to India for medical treatment, religious pilgrimages, or family visits.

Bangladeshi officials argue that the blanket suspension is disproportionate and has caused unnecessary economic and humanitarian difficulties. Many Bangladeshi patients rely on Indian hospitals for advanced medical care, while thousands of students and businesspeople are also impacted.

What Bangladesh Plans to Discuss

According to sources close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, Bangladesh will push for:

• Immediate resumption of tourist visa services for Bangladeshi nationals

• A more transparent and fair visa processing system

• Possible introduction of a special category or fast-track mechanism for genuine tourists, medical patients, and business travellers

• Greater reciprocity in visa policies between the two countries

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud (or his representative) is expected to highlight the strong people-to-people ties and the massive volume of legitimate cross-border movement that existed before the suspension.

Broader Bilateral Context

The 8 April meeting between Jaishankar and his Bangladeshi counterpart is part of regular high-level consultations aimed at addressing multiple bilateral issues, including:

• Border management and security cooperation

• Trade and connectivity projects

• Water sharing and Teesta River negotiations

• Repatriation of Rohingya refugees

However, the visa suspension has emerged as one of the most emotive and immediate concerns for ordinary citizens on both sides of the border.

Impact So Far

Since the suspension took effect:

• Thousands of planned trips have been cancelled

• Medical tourism from Bangladesh to India has dropped sharply

• Families have been separated or forced to delay important visits

• Business travel between the two countries has been disrupted

Travel agents and hospitals in both countries have reported significant financial losses due to the restrictions.

Expectations from the Meeting

Bangladeshi diplomats are optimistic that constructive dialogue during the 8 April meeting could lead to a phased or conditional resumption of tourist visas. They are expected to present data showing that the vast majority of Bangladeshi travellers pose no security risk and contribute positively to bilateral relations.

Indian officials have so far maintained that the suspension was a necessary security measure, but they are reportedly open to reviewing the policy on a case-by-case or category-wise basis.

For the latest India-Bangladesh visa updates, travel advisories, and bilateral immigration developments in 2026, explore our complete collection here: India & Bangladesh Visa Updates

The upcoming Jaishankar–Rahman meeting on 8 April offers a crucial opportunity for both countries to address the tourist visa suspension and restore smoother people-to-people connectivity. A positive outcome would be welcomed by millions of ordinary citizens who rely on hassle-free travel between Bangladesh and India.