Indian Visa Centre in Chittagong Suspended Amid Security Concerns

Mangalore Today News Network

Dhaka, Dec 21, 2025: The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, will remain suspended until further notice due to prevailing unrest and security concerns, officials announced on Sunday.

In a statement posted on its website, IVAC Bangladesh said Indian visa operations at the centre have been halted following recent security issues at the Indian Assistant High Commission (AHCI) in Chittagong. “The announcement for reopening the visa centre will be made after reviewing the situation,” the statement said.

The suspension comes amid heightened security around the Assistant High Commission office in the Upashahar area and the visa application centre in Shobhanighat.

Bangladesh has witnessed fresh unrest following the death of student leader Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in last year’s protests that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On Saturday, final prayers for Hadi, who was also the convenor of Inquilab Mancha, were held at Dhaka University. Subsequently, the organisation held a rally towards Shahbagh, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the Home Ministry demanding a report on the arrests of those responsible for his killing, news agency ANI reported.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah and lodged a strong protest over the deteriorating security situation, according to reports.

Meanwhile, in Rajshahi, a march was organised on December 19 towards the Indian Assistant High Commission from Bhadra Mor. However, police stopped the procession about 100 metres from the mission office by erecting barricades, PTI reported.