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Bangladesh Suspends On-Arrival Visas Ahead of Key Elections

Bangladesh has officially suspended its on-arrival visa facilities for all eligible countries from January 15 to February 15. The move is widely seen as a security precaution ahead of the national parliamentary elections and a public referendum scheduled for February 12. The government has intensified internal security, deploying the military with magisterial powers and heightening police vigilance. Visa services from key missions in India have also been halted until after the election period.

Key Points: Bangladesh Suspends On-Arrival Visas for Election Security

  • Visa suspension for one month
  • Security measure for elections
  • Applies to all eligible countries
  • Military deployed nationwide
  • Referendum also scheduled
2 min read

Bangladesh suspends on arrival visa ahead of elections

Bangladesh halts on-arrival visas for a month, citing security for upcoming national elections and a referendum scheduled for February 12.

"from January 15 to February 15, Bangladesh will suspend the issuance of on-arrival visas - Senior Bangladesh Official"

Dhaka, January 14

Bangladesh suspended Visa on Arrival from January 15 to February 15 ahead of general elections and referendum.

Citizens of neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal used to receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. However, the decision to suspend that arrangement has now been officially communicated to those countries' governments.

A senior official of the Bangladesh government has stated that from January 15 to February 15, Bangladesh will suspend the issuance of on-arrival visas for one month. This applies to all countries that normally receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh.

Although he did not explicitly state the reason for this decision, it is widely assumed that it has been taken with the upcoming national parliamentary elections in mind.

Since the election campaign will begin on January 22 and major party leaders will travel across the country to hold rallies, the government is likely taking this step to enhance security in border areas and prevent any potential violence during the election period. This kind of measure has reportedly been taken in the past during elections as well.

In addition, Bangladesh has also suspended the issuance of visas from its key missions located in India. Officials have stated that there is no likelihood of resuming these visa services until the election is over. The national parliamentary elections and a public referendum on certain reforms are scheduled to be held in Bangladesh on February 12.

In the lead-up to the general election and the referendum, Bangladesh has intensified its internal security measures.

The military has been deployed across the country, and army personnel are setting up security checkpoints in various locations. The interim government has already granted the military magisterial powers. In addition to the army, the police force has also been instructed to remain extremely vigilant in carrying out their duties.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is going to affect a lot of business travelers and families visiting from India. My cousin was planning a trip to Dhaka next week. While security is important, a month-long suspension seems quite long. Couldn't they have enhanced checks instead of a complete halt?
A
Aman W
Fully support our Bangladeshi neighbors in taking steps to ensure a smooth electoral process. Stability there is good for the entire region, including Northeast India. The deployment of the military shows they are serious. Best wishes for a free and fair election.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this from a security perspective. It's a standard precaution many nations take. The mention of suspending services from missions in India is the key point—shows the volume of travel between the two countries. Hope it's just a temporary hiccup for people's plans.
V
Vikram M
"Magisterial powers to the military" always sounds a bit alarming. I understand the need for security, but hope civilian oversight and democratic rights are not compromised in the process. A delicate balance to maintain.
K
Kavya N
My family in Tripura often visits relatives in Bangladesh. This suspension, especially around Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year) season, is a disappointment. But safety first, I suppose. Just hope relations and travel bounce back quickly after February.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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