India suspends Visa services indefinitely in Bangladesh’s Chittagong

India on Sunday suspended visa operations indefinitely at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s second-largest city, following heightened security concerns after recent violent incidents linked to political unrest in the country.The suspension came into effect on Sunday after a security incident at the Assistant High Commission of India in Chittagong, according to sources. All Indian visa-related services in the port city will remain closed until further notice, with authorities stating that operations will resume only after a review of the prevailing security situation.The move followed escalating tensions after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and a key figure in last year’s student-led protests that resulted in the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. Hadi was also a candidate in the February 12 general elections.
Hadi was shot in the head by masked gunmen during an election campaign event in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12. He later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in Singapore on Thursday. His death triggered widespread unrest across Bangladesh, including attacks and vandalism in several cities.Amid the fallout, the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram was targeted with stone-pelting on Thursday, prompting Indian authorities to reassess security arrangements at diplomatic and consular facilities.In response to the evolving situation, security was also strengthened on December 20 at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and the visa application centre in Sylhet. Local authorities said the enhanced measures were aimed at ensuring that no third party exploits the situation.Hadi, aged 32, was laid to rest on Saturday under heavy security near the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, close to the Dhaka University mosque. Tens of thousands attended the funeral prayers. Ahead of the burial, slogans critical of India were raised by sections of the crowd, reflecting the charged atmosphere following his death.