India has suspended visa operations at its mission-linked visa application centre in Chattogram, a major port city in Bangladesh, until further notice, amid rising security concerns. The move comes after a fresh spell of unrest erupted across Bangladesh following the death of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
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Hadi’s killing sparked widespread protests, vandalism and targeted attacks in several parts of the country, including stone pelting at the residence of the Assistant High Commissioner of India in Chattogram earlier this week.
Hadi was a key figure in the student-led movement that last year resulted in the removal of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government and was also a candidate in the upcoming February 12 general elections.
According to official information, the Indian Visa Application Centre in Chattogram will remain closed from December 21, 2025, until further review. Authorities said the decision was taken after a recent security incident near the Assistant High Commission and that an announcement on reopening would be made once the situation stabilises.
India operates five visa application centres across Bangladesh, located in Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chattogram and Sylhet. Officials confirmed that visa services at the other four centres continue to function normally. Earlier, visa operations in Dhaka were briefly suspended due to heightened tensions, while centres in Rajshahi and Khulna were also closed temporarily after protesters attempted to march towards Indian missions.
Security has since been tightened at Indian diplomatic facilities, including the Assistant High Commission and visa centre in Sylhet. Local authorities said the enhanced measures aim to prevent any misuse of the situation by external or disruptive elements.
Sharif Osman Hadi, aged 32, was shot during an election campaign event in central Dhaka on December 12 and later succumbed to his injuries in Singapore on December 18. His funeral, held under heavy security near Dhaka University, drew tens of thousands of mourners, some of whom raised anti-India slogans during the proceedings.
Earlier this month, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s envoy in New Delhi to convey serious concerns over the deteriorating security environment and threats to Indian diplomatic missions. India urged the interim government in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all foreign missions in line with international diplomatic obligations.
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