India has suspended visa services indefinitely at its Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Bangladesh’s port city of Chattogram following a recent security incident and escalating unrest linked to the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, according to local media reports.
In a brief statement, the IVAC said visa operations at the Chattogram centre would remain closed from December 21 until further notice.
The decision was taken in view of a security incident at the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in the city, and reopening will be considered after a review of the situation.
The suspension comes amid widespread protests and violence across Bangladesh after Hadi, 32, was shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area.
He later succumbed to his injuries in Singapore, where he had been taken for advanced medical treatment.
Hadi was a prominent figure in last year’s student-led protests that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government and was a candidate in the February 12 general elections.
Following his death, incidents of vandalism were reported in several parts of the country, including stone-throwing at the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram on Thursday.
Authorities said the suspension of visa services was a precautionary step in response to these developments.
IVAC operates five centres in Bangladesh—Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Khulna. An IVAC official said the remaining four centres are currently functioning.
India had resumed visa operations in Dhaka on Thursday, a day after temporarily shutting the centre due to security concerns.
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Visa services at Rajshahi and Khulna were also briefly suspended after protesters attempted to march toward Indian missions there.
Security was further tightened on December 20 at the Indian Assistant High Commission and the visa application centre in Sylhet.
Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Saiful Islam was quoted by local media as saying the enhanced measures were aimed at ensuring that “no third party can exploit the situation.”
Hadi was laid to rest on Saturday near the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam beside the Dhaka University mosque under heavy security arrangements.
Tens of thousands attended the funeral prayers, during which some mourners raised anti-India slogans, reflecting the charged atmosphere surrounding his death.
