India suspends visa operations in Chittagong amid Bangladesh unrest
Guwahati: India halted all visa services at its Visa Application Centre in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, indefinitely, citing heightened security concerns after widespread unrest in the country, local media reported.
The move followed the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader who had emerged during last year’s student-led protests that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government.
Masked assailants shot Hadi, a candidate in the February 12 general elections, in the head during a campaign event in central Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12.
Despite receiving treatment in Singapore, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, December 18.
Hadi’s death triggered violent protests across Bangladesh. Demonstrators attacked and vandalized multiple locations, including throwing stones at the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram on December 18.
Citing these security threats, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong confirmed that all visa-related operations would remain suspended from December 21 until further notice. The IVAC added that it will announce the reopening of services only after reviewing the evolving security situation.
Authorities had already strengthened security at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and the visa application centre in Sylhet city on December 20. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Saiful Islam, told The Dhaka Tribune that the measures aim to prevent third parties from exploiting the current unrest.
Authorities laid 32-year-old Hadi to rest on Saturday, December 20, beside National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave near Dhaka University mosque under tight security. Tens of thousands gathered for his funeral prayers and chanted slogans such as “Delhi or Dhaka—Dhaka, Dhaka” and “Brother Hadi’s blood will not be allowed to go in vain” before the burial.
The suspension of visa services in Chittagong highlights the escalating tension between public safety and diplomatic operations in Bangladesh following the politically charged and violent aftermath of Hadi’s assassination.