Bangladesh unrest: India suspends visa services in Chittagong, cites security concerns after protests

India has suspended visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong with immediate effect, citing security concerns amid rising unrest in Bangladesh. Officials confirmed on Sunday that the suspension will remain in place until further notice.

In a statement, IVAC said, “Due to a recent security incident at AHCI Chittagong, Indian visa operations at IVAC Chittagong will remain suspended from December twenty-one, two thousand twenty-five, until further notice.” The centre added that a decision on reopening would be taken only after a detailed review of the prevailing situation and security assessment.

The move comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Bangladesh following violent incidents and protests targeting Indian diplomatic premises. Earlier this week, a large group of demonstrators marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, prompting authorities to temporarily shut down visa services in the capital for a day. Visa facilities in Khulna and Rajshahi were also closed as a precautionary measure.

Following these developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey New Delhi’s “strong concern” over the situation, particularly regarding the safety of diplomatic staff and properties.

On Sunday, the MEA also rejected what it described as “misleading propaganda” by sections of the Bangladesh media concerning protests that took place in New Delhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that only a small group of around twenty to twenty-five youths briefly gathered outside the Bangladesh mission in Delhi on December twenty. The protest was organised to condemn the killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and to demand greater protection for minorities.

Jaiswal said there was no attempt to breach security or pose any threat to the mission, adding that Delhi Police dispersed the protesters within minutes and the situation remained under full control.

Tensions in Bangladesh have escalated following a series of violent incidents in recent days. In Mymensingh, 27 year old Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das was allegedly lynched by a mob over accusations of blasphemy. Reports suggest that his body was later set on fire, sparking widespread outrage both within the country and abroad. Former Indian diplomats have described the situation as alarming, with concerns over rising mob violence and lawlessness.

Separately, in Dhaka, Sharif Osman Hadi, who was associated with last year’s July uprising, was killed under circumstances that remain under investigation. These incidents have intensified concerns over internal security and minority safety in Bangladesh, further straining diplomatic sensitivities in the region.

India continues to monitor the situation closely, officials said, while stressing that visa services will resume only when adequate security conditions are ensured.