Bangladesh Elections: Arrival Visa Suspension to Bolster Security
The Bangladesh government temporarily suspends arrival visas for one month ahead of February elections and constitutional reforms referendum, citing security concerns and potential electoral violence.
The Bangladesh government has announced a temporary suspension of on-arrival visas (VoA) for one month, from January 15 to February 15. This measure comes amid heightened security tensions ahead of the country’s national parliamentary elections and a constitutional reform referendum scheduled for February 12.
Impact on neighboring countries and missions in India
The decision affects all countries that normally benefit from VoA facilities, including neighboring nations such as Bhutan and Nepal. The Bangladeshi government has officially communicated this suspension to the authorities of these countries. Concurrently, visa issuance has also been halted at major Bangladesh diplomatic missions in India, with no anticipated resumption before the polls conclude.
Preventing electoral violence
While authorities have not explicitly stated the rationale, the move is widely understood to secure borders and prevent potential violence during the election period. The electoral campaign, set to begin on January 22, will see numerous rallies by party leaders across the country, necessitating heightened surveillance to avoid unrest.
Regular visas remain available
Since January 15, 2026, many foreign nationals can no longer obtain visas on arrival. French citizens, for example, must now apply for a visa through the Bangladesh Embassy in France. Travel plans, including entry into the country, must be arranged in advance.
« We are not suspending visa issuance. They should come with regular visas, not on-arrival visas. »
— Md. Touhid Hossain (Foreign Affairs Adviser)
With the electoral deadline approaching, Bangladesh has ramped up internal security measures:
The military has been deployed nationwide and is establishing strategic checkpoints
The interim government has granted magisterial powers to the military to facilitate interventions
The national police have been instructed to exercise heightened vigilance in their duties
This preventative approach is not unprecedented; similar measures have been adopted during previous elections to maintain public order.
