India suspends visa operations at Chittagong centre amid rising tensions in Bangladesh
Dhaka: India has suspended visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s second-largest city, citing security concerns following heightened political unrest.
The decision comes in the wake of violent incidents triggered by the killing of prominent youth leader Sharif Usman Hadi, local media reported on Sunday. According to reports, visa-related services at the Chittagong IVAC have been halted indefinitely and will remain suspended until further notice.
The move follows a recent security incident involving the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong, prompting authorities to reassess the safety situation in the port city. The suspension officially came into effect from December 21.
Sharif Usman Hadi, a key leader associated with the student-led movement that played a role in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government last year, was shot during an election campaign on December 12.
Masked gunmen reportedly opened fire on him in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area, critically injuring him. Hadi, who was a candidate in the upcoming February 12 general elections, later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in Singapore.
His death has triggered widespread unrest across Bangladesh, with incidents of arson, vandalism and attacks reported in several regions. In Chittagong, tensions escalated after a stone-pelting incident targeted the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner, raising serious concerns about the safety of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel.
Citing these developments, the IVAC stated that all Indian visa-related services in Chittagong would remain closed until the security situation stabilises. Authorities said a fresh announcement would be made after a comprehensive review of ground conditions. However, no timeline has been indicated for the resumption of services.
Meanwhile, security around Indian diplomatic establishments elsewhere in Bangladesh has been tightened. On December 20, additional security arrangements were put in place at the Indian Assistant High Commission and the visa application centre in Sylhet. Bangladeshi police officials said enhanced measures were introduced to ensure that “no third party misuses the prevailing situation” to create further disturbances.
The suspension of visa services is expected to affect a large number of applicants, particularly those seeking medical, educational and tourist visas to India, as Chittagong serves as a major hub for visa processing in southern Bangladesh.
The development comes amid broader concerns over law and order in Bangladesh ahead of the general elections, with observers closely watching how the interim authorities manage security challenges and political instability in the coming weeks.
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