Security Woes Force Closure of Two Indian Visa Centres in Bangladesh
The decision came after protesters attempted to march towards the Assistant High Commissions in Rajshahi and Khulna
New Delhi: A day after it was forced to suspend visa services in Dhaka amid security concerns, the Indian High Commission had to, on Thursday, shut down two more visa application centres in Bangladesh's Rajshahi and Khulna after protesters targeted Indian missions and diplomats.
The move to shut the Indian missions in Khulna and Rajshahi came after protesters marched towards the offices of Assistant HCs before being stopped by police even though clashes erupted between police and protestors.
"In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025). All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date," an official notification on the IVAC website read. However, the visa services in Dhaka had resumed on Thursday.
In Rajshahi, Bharityo Adhipotto Birodhi Mancha tried to march towards the Assistant High Commission of India but police in riot gear blocked them near the mission when a brief clash occurred as the protesters tried to break through the security barricades.
In Khulna, the protesters under a banner called 'Unity Against Indian Hegemony' tried to march towards the office of Assistant High Commission of India but army soldiers and navy sailors joined hands with police to thwart the marchers. The demonstrators raised slogans threatening blood bath and breaking India while warning New Delhi.
“We had enforced a stringent vigil preventing them (protesters) from proceeding towards the mission. They left the scene after staging a “peaceful' rally,” Khulna's deputy commissioner of police Tajul Islam said.
On Wednesday, a group of radical Islamists, under the banner of "July Oikya", had organised a protest march near the Indian High Commission, pressing for several demands, including the return of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina. After being stopped by the police, these protesters threatened to come back again with much force to enter the Indian missions.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh HC Riaz Hamidullah and conveyed its strong concern over certain extremist elements announcing plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka. “We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” it said.
India has a total of five visa centres in Bangladesh. These are at Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chattogram and Sylhet.
