Indian Visa Services Restart In Bangladesh After Brief Halt, Chittagong Centre Remains Shut

Indian visa services resumed across Bangladesh after a brief disruption triggered by security concerns, with operations remaining suspended only at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong.

Visa services at the Chittagong centre have been suspended since December 21 following a mob incident on the night of December 18–19, which raised concerns over the safety of diplomatic premises and personnel. All other Indian visa centres across Bangladesh are currently functioning normally, with applications being processed as usual, officials said.

The suspension in Chittagong came amid heightened tensions following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and former student protest figure, whose killing triggered unrest in several

parts of the country. During the violence, multiple incidents of vandalism were reported, including stone-hurling at the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chittagong.

The Indian Visa Application Centre in the port city said visa services would remain closed until further notice, adding that a decision on reopening would be taken after a review of the local security situation.

This comes as security has been strengthened at Indian diplomatic missions and visa facilities in other Bangladeshi cities, including Sylhet, to prevent any spillover of unrest.

Violent Protests In Bangladesh

Hadi, a key figure in the student-led protests last year that culminated in the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina–led Awami League government, was also a candidate in the February 12 general elections. The 32-year-old was shot in the head by masked gunmen during an election campaign in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12 and later died while undergoing treatment in Singapore on December 18. His death sparked widespread violence across Bangladesh, including arson and vandalism. One such incident involved stone-pelting at the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram on December 18.

Hadi was laid to rest on December 20 near the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, adjacent to the Dhaka University mosque, amid heavy security. Tens of thousands attended his funeral prayers, during which anti-India slogans were raised.