Tourist visas resume, border tensions persist

Bangladesh Security Force (BSF) push-in attempts along the border have continued despite repeated protests from Dhaka, even as India seeks to highlight people-to-people ties following the resumption of tourist visa services for Bangladeshis.

The contrasting developments have underscored the complexities in Bangladesh-India relations. While visa applications are surging at Indian Visa Application Centres across Bangladesh, tensions remain along several border points.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka recently welcomed what it described as an overwhelming response from Bangladeshi citizens after India resumed tourist visa services following a two-year suspension.

India reopened tourist visa applications for Bangladeshis after a pause that had been in place since the political upheaval following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024.

Since the resumption of services, visa centres, including those in Dhaka, have seen a large number of applicants seeking to travel to India for medical treatment, tourism, education and business.

In a message posted on its official Facebook page on Friday, the Indian High Commission expressed appreciation for the strong public response.

“We are truly encouraged by the overwhelming response from those wishing to travel to India for various purposes,” the mission said.

“As we continue to expand our visa services and make the application process smoother and more convenient, we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation,” it added.

The High Commission said it remained committed to “strengthening people-to-people ties and deepening the enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh.”

The reopening of tourist visas came shortly after the appointment of veteran Indian politician Dinesh Trivedi as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh.

Diplomatic observers view the move as part of New Delhi’s efforts to recalibrate bilateral relations under the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which assumed office in February this year.

However, while visa services have resumed in full swing, border-related disputes continue to cast a shadow over the relationship.

On Thursday night, the BSF allegedly attempted to push 10 people into Bangladesh through the Lathitila-Kachurgul border in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar. The attempt was foiled by the Border Guard Bangladesh, according to border officials.

The group consisted of two men, seven women and a child. Following BGB intervention, they reportedly returned to Indian territory.

Lieutenant Colonel Ataur Rahman, commander of the Beanibazar Battalion, 52 BGB, said the BSF had continued trying to push people into Bangladesh through various methods.

“The Indian BSF has continued attempting to push people illegally into Bangladesh using new tactics, including local brokers, specific networks and informants operating along the border,” he said.

He said the BGB maintains a “zero tolerance” policy against any form of illegal infiltration or push-in attempt and remains vigilant in protecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and border security.

According to the BGB commander, security has been reinforced along the Barlekha and Juri border areas. Surveillance has been increased, patrols intensified and intelligence operations strengthened to prevent illegal crossings.

He also alleged that some local residents had been assisting such attempts and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved.

The issue of alleged push-ins has remained a source of friction between the two neighbours since the formation of the interim government headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus after the political transition of 2024.

The Yunus administration repeatedly condemned the incidents, describing them as violations of established border management norms and international practices.

Despite several rounds of communication and protests from Dhaka, Bangladesh officials say such incidents have persisted. The BNP-led government has also reportedly sent multiple communications to New Delhi urging an end to the practice.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid said in June that Bangladesh had already sent “12-13 letters” urging Delhi to follow existing procedures.

Border tensions have continued even after high-level meetings between the BGB and the BSF, including recent talks in New Delhi aimed at addressing security and border management concerns.

Bangladeshi officials maintain that attempts to push people across the frontier have continued despite those discussions, although the BGB says it has successfully prevented such efforts.

Meanwhile, the restoration of visa services has generated optimism among businesses in eastern India, particularly in Kolkata, where many sectors depend heavily on Bangladeshi visitors.

Indian media reports said traders and business owners welcomed the return of Bangladeshi travellers, whose absence over the past two years had affected hotels, retail outlets, restaurants and healthcare-related services.

As thousands of Bangladeshis again seek visas to travel to India, the simultaneous continuation of alleged push-in attempts underscores the challenge facing both countries as they try to rebuild trust while managing sensitive border issues.