India Set to Resume Medical and Business Visas for Bangladeshis, Says Advisor
Humayun Kabir, the Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, announced on Monday, April 13, 2026, that India has agreed in principle to resume issuing medical and business visas. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, the Advisor shared that this positive development follows a high-level visit to Delhi by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and himself, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two neighbors. The decision comes after detailed discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during their three-day visit that concluded on April 7.
The Advisor characterized the trip as highly productive, addressing various crises of mutual interest. A key point of the discussion included Bangladesh's formal appreciation to India for maintaining a steady supply of diesel through the bilateral pipeline despite regional uncertainties. Humayun Kabir emphasized that both nations must remain sincere to return their relationship to a positive trajectory. He noted that the current government is focusing on a "fresh start" to resolve outstanding issues. However, he acknowledged that the presence of political figures like Sheikh Hasina in India remains a challenge for bilateral ties, stating that legal steps will be initiated to bring her back to the country following due process.
Visa services at Indian centers across Bangladesh had been largely suspended following the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, which led to the fall of the Awami League government. Protests and security concerns at that time caused a significant backlog and left thousands of Bangladeshis unable to travel for essential medical treatment or trade. Advisor Kabir expressed optimism that with the current government’s strong public mandate, Bangladesh is now in a position to negotiate more effectively on the international stage. The resumption of medical and business visas is expected to alleviate immense public suffering and revitalize economic activities between the two countries.
The Advisor concluded by stating that the current administration, alongside major political stakeholders like the BNP, is prioritizing national interest to overcome the recent chill in Indo-Bangla relations. Analysts believe that restoring travel facilities is a crucial first step in rebuilding trust and stabilizing the regional supply chain. As the specialized visa categories reopen, the government expects a gradual normalization of all visa types, provided that the security environment remains stable. This move is seen as a vital diplomatic breakthrough that balances humanitarian needs with strategic economic cooperation.
