Bangladesh has expanded restrictions on visas for Indian citizens, suspending most categories at several of its missions in India on security grounds, officials said.

The foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday that the measures would take effect from Thursday. Under the decision, visa services have been halted for all categories except business and employment visas.

The curbs have been extended to Bangladesh’s deputy high commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain told India’s PTI news agency that Dhaka had instructed three missions in India to keep their visa sections closed, without naming them.

The latest move follows a partial suspension of visa issuance and consular services announced on Dec. 22 at Bangladesh’s high commission in New Delhi, its assistant high commission in Agartala and a visa centre in Siliguri. Consular services were also stopped at the mission in Guwahati.

India, for its part, imposed restrictions on visas for Bangladeshi nationals after Aug. 5, 2024, citing security concerns after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced from office following weeks of student-led protests and later fled to India.

Ties between the two neighbours have come under additional strain in recent weeks after unrest linked to the death of student leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi on Dec. 18. Hadi was a prominent figure in the July 2024 protests that preceded Hasina’s ouster.

His death sparked demonstrations, vandalism and attacks across Bangladesh. Reports of assaults on minority communities there also prompted protests in India.

In December, New Delhi and Dhaka summoned each other’s envoys to raise concerns over the situation.