Following violence outside the Assistant High Commission in Bangladesh, India takes major action, suspending Indian visa services in Chittagong
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Following an incident of violence outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong, Bangladesh, services at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong have been temporarily suspended. According to a statement issued by the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Bangladesh, all Indian visa-related services in Chittagong will remain suspended from December 21, 2025, until further notice.
The Indian Visa Application Centre clarified in its order issued on Sunday that any announcement regarding the reopening of the visa application centre will be made only after a review of the security situation. Applicants are requested not to visit the Chittagong IVAC until further notice and to await official updates. According to officials, this step has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of applicants and staff.
Violence Erupts Outside Indian Assistant High Commission
Violence erupted outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on Friday following the death of Usman Hadi. At least four people, including two police officers, were injured in the incident. According to local media reports, the unrest stemmed from the death of Sharif Usman Hadi, a spokesperson for the hardline group Inqilab Manch. Police said that protesters gathered outside the Indian mission’s office in the Khulshi area of Chittagong on Friday morning, throwing bricks and vandalizing the building.
What did the police say about the violence?
Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Haseeb Aziz said that a scuffle broke out between police officers and protesters after police intervened. Those injured in the clash were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. According to the Bangladeshi newspaper Dhaka Tribune, Aziz said that police detained several people from the scene, who may be charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Meanwhile, protesters also gathered outside the residence of the Indian Deputy High Commissioner and pelted the premises with stones. Slogans were chanted against the Awami League and India during the protest.
