India has indefinitely suspended all visa operations at its application centre in Chittagong, Bangladesh, following a recent security incident. Officials announced the suspension on Sunday, marking a significant development in bilateral consular services.
Official Announcement and Immediate Closure
The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong issued a formal statement confirming the halt in services. The suspension is effective from December 21, 2025, and will continue until further notice. The decision was directly attributed to a security incident at the AHCI facility in Chittagong. The centre stated that a review of the situation will precede any decision regarding its reopening.
Broader Context of Tensions and Protests
This suspension occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Bangladesh. Earlier in the week, a large group of demonstrators marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. In response to this protest, the IVAC in the capital city was shut down for one day. Visa facilities in two other major cities, Khulna and Rajshahi, were also temporarily closed.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took diplomatic action by summoning Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah. The MEA conveyed its "strong concern" regarding the events surrounding its diplomatic mission.
MEA Clarifies on Protests, Rejects Media Narrative
On Sunday, the MEA also addressed reports about the protests. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected what he termed "misleading propaganda" by sections of the Bangladesh media. He provided a different account, stating that only 20 to 25 youths had gathered briefly outside the Indian mission on December 20.
According to Jaiswal, the group was protesting the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu youth, and calling for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. The spokesperson clarified that there was no attempt to breach security or pose a threat, and the protesters were dispersed by police within minutes.
The developments follow a series of violent incidents in Bangladesh. Dipu Chandra Das was allegedly beaten to death by a mob over accusations of blasphemy, and his body was later set on fire. Tensions have remained high in Dhaka following another killing, that of Sharif Osman Hadi, who was associated with last year's July uprising. The indefinite suspension of visa services in Chittagong underscores the sensitive state of affairs impacting diplomatic and consular engagements between the two neighbouring nations.
