India resumes visa operations in Dhaka, services suspended at two other centres following protests

India on December 18 resumed operations at its visa application centre in Dhaka, a day after closing it over escalated security concerns, but closed two other identical facilities in other parts of Bangladesh as anti-India protestors tried to march towards the Indian missions there.

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at southwestern Khulna and northwestern Rajshahi were closed on the grounds of security concerns amid massive protest marches towards the facilities that were stopped by security officials.

In Rajshahi, “Bharityo Adhipotto Birodhi July 36 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 protestors tried to break through the security barricades.

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The protesters raised anti-India slogans, according to videos circulating on social media. There have been similar anti-India protests in Dhaka and other parts for some time.

There are five IVAC centres in Bangladesh. Apart from those in Dhaka, Khulna and Rajshahi, the two others are in the northeastern port city of Chattogram and northeastern Sylhet. The IVAC at Dhaka’s Jamuna Future Park is the main, integrated centre for all Indian visa services in the capital.

“Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka is now operational and functioning normally,” an IVAC official told PTI.

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IVAC’s Dhaka centre had on Wednesday announced temporary closure amid escalated tensions when a large group of anti-India protestors headed towards the Indian High Commission.

Police said they have deployed extra security around the Indian mission.

The centre, on its website, said the IVAC closed its two centres in Khulna and Rajshahi on Thursday.

“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),” it said, adding, “All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date.”

The envoy was apprised of India's strong concerns about the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh, it added.

Meanwhile, in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, said they assured foreign missions in Dhaka of adequate security steps ahead of the scheduled February polls.