Indian visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chattogram, Bangladesh, have been suspended from December 21 until further notice following a recent security incident near the Assistant High Commission of India in the port city.
In a notice issued by IVAC Bangladesh, authorities said visa services would remain halted until the situation is reviewed and deemed safe, adding that an announcement on reopening would be made later.
The suspension comes amid heightened security concerns around Indian diplomatic premises in Bangladesh, with recent protests and unrest reported near the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram, following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
Many allege that Hadi’s attackers fled to India and are demanding that the government hold India accountable for alleged interference in Bangladesh.
Thousands reportedly showed up for Hadi’s funeral prayers with many chanting anti-India slogans like “Delhi or Dhaka – Dhaka, Dhaka” and “brother Hadi’s blood will not be allowed to go in vain”.
Local media bdnews24 reported demonstrations in Chattogram as well as several other cities, leading authorities to tighten security and temporarily halt visa operations as a precaution.
India operates multiple visa application centres across Bangladesh to cater to high cross-border travel demand, particularly for medical, business and tourism purposes. The Chattogram centre is one of the key facilities outside Dhaka.
Also Read: Bangladesh Unrest: Student Leader Osman Hadi laid to rest in Dhaka amid heavy security
(Edited by : Priyanka Deshpande)
