Bangladesh election authorities have issued special visa guidelines for Bangladesh and suspended visa on arrival for Bangladesh from January 15 to February 15, 2026, to strengthen security ahead of the national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12.
Bangladesh election preparations intensified on January 13, 2026, when the Ministry of Home Affairs released detailed instructions for visa issuance. The measures enforce strict document verification, suspend visa-on-arrival in Bangladesh for all eligible countries, and create special provisions for election observers’ visas in Bangladesh. Officials aim to ensure the orderly entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals during the sensitive pre-poll period.
These steps carry regional importance for South Asia. Tightened border controls in Bangladesh, particularly during the election season, affect cross-border movement with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, while signaling heightened security priorities that neighboring governments closely watch.
Special Visa Guidelines for Bangladesh Rolled Out
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all Bangladeshi missions abroad to adhere to the Visa Policy 2006 and subsequent notifications strictly. Missions must verify the purpose of the visit, sponsoring entities, accommodation details, return tickets, and financial means before approving any visa category.
Coordination among intelligence agencies, Special Branch, and law enforcement has increased at all international airports, land ports, and seaports. Foreign military and security personnel are now required to obtain explicit prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before traveling.
Daily reporting obligations apply. Embassies, the Directorate of Immigration and Passports, Special Branches, and port authorities must submit Excel-format reports on visa issuances, arrivals, and departures to the Additional Secretary (Immigration Sub-Division) daily.
Visa on Arrival Suspension in Bangladesh Enforced
The visa-on-arrival suspension in Bangladesh began on January 15 and will remain in effect until February 15, 2026. The facility, previously available to citizens of numerous countries, including Bhutan and Nepal, has been halted across all eligible nationalities.
The suspension coincides with the start of nationwide election campaigning on January 22. Major political parties will hold rallies, resulting in increased movement of leaders and supporters. Authorities cite the need to prevent potential violence and maintain tighter border surveillance.
Visa services from key Bangladesh missions in India have also paused, with no resumption expected until after the polls.
Election Observers’ Visa for Bangladesh Facilitated
Election observers from Bangladesh receive preferential treatment. On recommendation from the Election Commission and relevant ministries, arrival visas stamped “Election Observation” will be issued for the designated period.
Accredited foreign observers and international journalists qualify for these visas. Fee waivers may apply for officially recommended election observers to encourage transparent international monitoring of the February 12 vote.
The concurrent public referendum will seek approval for key reforms proposed in the July National Charter, covering institutional changes and democratic safeguards.
Background: Context of Bangladesh Election 2026
The upcoming Bangladesh election marks the 13th Jatiya Sangsad contest under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, which has been in place since August 2024. The vote follows student-led protests that ousted the previous administration and triggered a wide-ranging set of reform commitments.
The Election Commission has finalised candidate lists and begun training more than 800,000 polling staff. Army deployment for internal security has been authorised, with checkpoints established nationwide and magisterial powers granted to military personnel.
Police and intelligence agencies maintain a heightened alert. These arrangements aim to deliver a peaceful, credible process after months of political transition.
What’s Next
The strict enforcement of special visa guidelines for Bangladesh and the suspension of visa-on-arrival for Bangladesh will continue through mid-February. International observer groups must route applications through official channels to secure election observer visas for Bangladesh.
Regular visa services, including visa-on-arrival services in Bangladesh, are expected to resume after February 15 once security assessments are concluded. The outcome of the Bangladesh election and referendum will shape future immigration policies and regional travel protocols.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 14th, 2026
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