India has resumed operations at its main visa application centre in Dhaka after a brief suspension triggered by heightened security concerns, even as two other Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Bangladesh remain closed. The decision reflects a cautious and situation-based approach by Indian authorities in response to recent unrest and warnings of potential security threats surrounding Indian diplomatic facilities.
According to officials, the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka reopened on Thursday and has returned to normal operations. The centre, located at Jamuna Future Park, functions as the primary and integrated hub for Indian visa services in the capital, catering to a large volume of applicants seeking travel to India for medical treatment, education, tourism and business purposes.
An IVAC official confirmed that services in Dhaka had fully resumed, stating that the centre was now operational and processing applications as usual. The reopening came just a day after the facility was temporarily shut amid escalating tensions in the city. On Wednesday, the centre announced its suspension following reports that a large group of anti-India protesters had moved towards the Indian High Commission, raising concerns over the safety of diplomatic personnel and visa applicants.
In contrast, Indian authorities decided to keep the IVACs in Khulna and Rajshahi closed on Thursday, citing similar security considerations. Both centres serve applicants from the southwestern and northwestern regions of Bangladesh, respectively. A notice published on the IVAC website stated that, due to the prevailing security situation, operations at the Rajshahi and Khulna centres would remain suspended for the day. Applicants who had booked appointments for that date were assured that new submission slots would be provided at a later time.
Bangladesh currently hosts five Indian Visa Application Centres, located in Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, the port city of Chattogram and Sylhet. These centres play a crucial role in managing the high demand for Indian visas, particularly given the close people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring countries.
The developments come against the backdrop of growing concern in New Delhi over the security environment in Bangladesh. On Wednesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey strong concerns regarding reports that certain extremist elements were planning to create unrest around the Indian mission in Dhaka. The ministry emphasised that ensuring the safety and security of foreign diplomatic missions is a core responsibility under international diplomatic obligations.
In its statement, the MEA said India expects the interim government in Bangladesh to take all necessary measures to protect Indian missions and posts across the country. The envoy was also briefed on India’s serious apprehensions regarding what it described as a deteriorating security situation in parts of Bangladesh.
While the reopening of the Dhaka IVAC offers relief to thousands of applicants, the continued closure of centres in Khulna and Rajshahi underscores the fluid nature of the situation. Officials indicated that operations at the affected centres would be reviewed regularly, depending on developments on the ground and assurances regarding security.