Indian visa centre in Chattogram shuttered indefinitely amid security concerns

Authorities say an announcement would be made later about when services might resume

India has halted operations at its visa application centre in Chattogram, citing security concerns.

In a notice published on its website, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) said the Chattogram centre would remain closed from Sunday until further notice. It added that an announcement would be made later about when services might resume.

There was no immediate comment from officials at the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram.

The closure comes amid heightened tensions following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi, who died in Singapore on Thursday after being shot earlier this month in Dhaka.

After news of his death spread, protests broke out in several parts of the capital and elsewhere in the country. Late on Thursday night, demonstrators gathered outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram’s Khulshi area, prompting concerns over security.

Earlier, Indian authorities had temporarily shut the visa application centre at Dhaka’s Jamuna Future Park for several hours, also citing security reasons, as protests were announced in the capital.

The developments have unfolded against a backdrop of diplomatic unease. Last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi to express "strong concerns" over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, including threats by extremist groups to target the Indian mission in Dhaka.

India has urged Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions, while Bangladeshi officials have said security has been stepped up around sensitive locations.