India Suspends Chittagong Visa Services, Denies Threats to Envoy
India on Thursday resumed operations at its visa application centre in Dhaka, a day after closing it over escalated security concerns, but closed for a brief period two other identical facilities in Rajshahi and Khulna as anti-India protestors tried to march towards the Indian missions there
New Delhi: India on Sunday suspended visa services at its consulate in Chittagong (Chattogram) indefinitely following attacks by protesters last week and continued security threats after the death of Bangladesh youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
In a brief statement, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) said visa operations in Chittagong would remain suspended from December 21, 2025, until further notice due to a recent security incident at the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI). The reopening of the centre will be decided after a review of the security situation.
India operates five IVAC centres in Bangladesh, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Except for Chittagong, all other centres are currently functioning. Earlier, India had temporarily shut visa centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Khulna amid heightened security concerns after anti-India protesters attempted to march towards these offices. Incidents of stone-pelting were reported in Chittagong, prompting its closure, while security was strengthened at Indian missions, including in Sylhet.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs dismissed claims of threats to Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah and attacks on the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
Responding to reports in Bangladeshi media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that around 20 to 25 youth had gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 20 and raised slogans protesting the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. He clarified that there was no attempt to breach security and that police dispersed the group within minutes.
Jaiswal said India remains committed to ensuring the safety of all foreign missions in accordance with the Vienna Convention and is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. He added that Indian officials are in touch with Bangladeshi authorities and have conveyed strong concerns over attacks on minorities, urging that those responsible for the killing of Das be brought to justice.
Responding, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry acknowledged India’s assurance on the safety of Bangladeshi diplomatic missions but termed the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched and set on fire, as an isolated incident, rejecting the claim that it was part of attacks on minorities.
Bangladesh police officials said allegations of blasphemy against Das remain unclear, noting that no specific remarks attributed to him have been established. They said he was allegedly forced to resign by a factory floor in-charge before being handed over to a mob, instead of being taken to the police.
Reports of attacks on Hindus, their properties, and religious places in Bangladesh have triggered protests in India and Nepal. Demonstrations were held in Kathmandu, as well as in Siliguri and Agartala, outside Bangladesh’s diplomatic offices, condemning the violence and anti-India campaigns.
Meanwhile, Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the RSS, urged Hindus worldwide to remain united and called on the Indian government to take note of the situation and extend support to Hindus in Bangladesh.
