India Suspends Chittagong Visa Services, Denies Threats to Envoy

“Due to a recent security incident at the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) Chittagong, Indian visa operations at IVAC (Indian Visa Application Centre) Chittagong will remain suspended from 21/12/2025 until further notice. The announcement for reopening the visa centre will be made after reviewing the situation,” IVAC said in a brief statement. It added that a further announcement will be made regarding the reopening of the visa application centre after a review of the security situation.

India has five IVAC centres in Bangladesh operating at Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chittagong and Sylhet. Except for Chittogong all visa offices are operational as of now. Earlier India had briefly shut down its visa centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna over escalated security concerns as anti-India protestors tried to march towards these. There were incidents of stone pelting in Chittogong following which it was closed. As precautionary measures, security was strengthened at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and the visa application centre in Bangladesh's Sylhet.

Meanwhile, the Indian government on Sunday dismissed claims of threats to Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah and attacks on the High Commission in New Delhi.

Clarifying on claims by Bangladeshi media alleging attack on Bangladesh High Commission building on Saturday night, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that about 20-25 youth had gathered in front of the High Commission and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh.

MEA said there was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time and police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes.

"We have noted misleading propaganda in sections of the Bangladesh media on the incident. The fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on 20 December and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh. There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see. India is committed to ensure the safety of foreign Missions/Posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

He added India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh. “Our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice,” Mr Jaiswal said.

Bangladesh Police officials said that while there were allegations of blasphemy on Dipu Chandra Das, no one has so far been able to clearly say what wrong did the victim say. "It is not clear what exactly Dipu Chandra Das had said and to whom. No one could specify it. Factory floor incharge forced Dipu Das to resign. He then handed him over to the mob. He did not hand him to police,” said an official of Bangladesh Police.

There were more reports emerging from Bangladesh with regard to Hindus, their properties and religious places invoking anger in India and Nepal. There were several protests against the atrocities on Hindus in Kathmandu. In India’s Siliguri and Agartala there were protests outside Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner offices against attack on Indian missions, Hindus and the anti India campaigns in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, RSS chief Mohan Bhawat urged Hindus to stay united across the world. He also urged the Indian government to take cognisance on the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and help them.