- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 21 Dec 2025 02:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bangladesh Unrest: Indian visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong have been suspended until further notice following recent unrest and heightened security concerns in the port city. The suspension came into effect on Sunday, December 21, after what authorities described as a “recent security incident” at the Indian Assistant High Commission.
According to an update posted on the IVAC website, all Indian visa-related services in Chittagong will remain closed until a review of the prevailing security situation is completed. Any announcement regarding the resumption of visa services would be made only after authorities assess ground conditions.
Protests Target Indian Mission In Chittagong
The decision follows days of escalating protests across Bangladesh, with demonstrations reported near Indian diplomatic missions in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi. In Chittagong, protesters gathered outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in the Khulshi area late Thursday night, hurling bricks and vandalising parts of the premises, according to local media reports. Security forces were deployed to push back the crowd and prevent further damage.
Local media linked the protests to the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a student leader and spokesperson of the radical group Inqilab Mancha. His death triggered widespread demonstrations, with a large crowd in Chittagong allegedly attempting to storm the Indian mission before being dispersed by police and other security personnel.
Security Tightened Around Indian Diplomatic Premises
Following the unrest, law enforcement agencies tightened security around the Indian Assistant High Commission, deploying additional police and military personnel to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of diplomatic staff.
The protests have unfolded amid heightened communal tensions following the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker in Mymensingh, earlier this week.
Das was beaten to death by a mob over allegations of blasphemy, though Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has said no concrete evidence has emerged to support the claims. Investigations are ongoing, with several suspects arrested based on video evidence.