India Shuts Dhaka Visa Centre After Security Threats, Raises Concerns With Bangladesh Government

New Delhi | December 17, 2025 India on Wednesday suspended operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka, citing serious security concerns following threats from extremist elements and provocative statements by Bangladeshi political leaders. The decision reflects rising diplomatic tension between the two neighbours amid a deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. The IVAC, located at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka and considered the capital’s main hub for Indian visa services, closed at around 2 pm. In an official notice, the centre stated that visa services were suspended due to the prevailing security situation. Applicants who had appointments scheduled for the day were informed that their slots would be rescheduled once conditions improve. Earlier in the day, India took up the matter at the diplomatic level. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, to convey New Delhi’s strong concerns over the security situation. According to the MEA, the envoy was informed about threats issued by certain extremist groups that had announced plans to create unrest around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. India stressed that the safety of diplomatic missions is a core responsibility of the host country. The MEA said it expects Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure full protection for Indian missions and personnel in line with international diplomatic obligations. Officials expressed particular concern over threats directed at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The MEA also rejected what it described as a “false narrative” being circulated by extremist elements in Bangladesh regarding recent developments. India said the interim government in Dhaka had not conducted a thorough investigation into the incidents in question, nor had it shared credible evidence with Indian authorities. While details were not disclosed, officials indicated that the lack of transparency had added to New Delhi’s unease. Tensions escalated further following remarks made earlier this week by a Bangladeshi political leader. On Monday, National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah issued a provocative warning during a public rally, stating that if Bangladesh were destabilised, efforts would be made to isolate India’s northeastern states, known as the Seven Sisters. He also claimed that Bangladesh could provide shelter to separatist groups. The remarks were widely viewed in India as inflammatory and destabilising. The closure of the visa centre comes at a time when people-to-people travel between India and Bangladesh remains significant, with thousands relying on Indian visas for medical treatment, education and business. The suspension is expected to inconvenience many applicants, though Indian officials have indicated that safety concerns must take priority. Meanwhile, diplomatic exchanges between the two countries have intensified. Separately, Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, seeking cooperation in an ongoing legal case and once again demanding the extradition of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who has been living in India, was last month sentenced to death in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity related to unrest that occurred the previous year. Reports claim the violence left more than 500 people dead. India has not publicly commented on the extradition demand but has consistently maintained that all such matters are handled in accordance with legal processes and bilateral agreements. Analysts say the latest developments point to a fragile phase in India-Bangladesh relations, with security, political rhetoric and unresolved legal issues converging. India’s decision to shut the Dhaka visa centre underscores its concern for the safety of its officials and facilities while signalling to Dhaka the seriousness with which it views recent threats. For now, Indian authorities have said the visa centre will remain closed until the security situation stabilises. Diplomatic channels remain open, but the episode highlights the challenges facing both countries at a time when regional stability and cooperation are increasingly important. India Shuts Dhaka Visa Centre After Security Threats, Raises Concerns With Bangladesh Government India has temporarily shut down the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka after serious security concerns emerged, following threats from extremist elements and strong statements made by Bangladeshi political leaders. The visa centre, located at Jamuna Future Park, stopped operations on December 17, 2025, with authorities citing safety risks to staff and visitors. According to Indian officials, the situation worsened after certain extremist groups announced plans to create unrest around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. In response, India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi and formally expressed concern over the deteriorating security environment. The Ministry of External Affairs made it clear that the safety of diplomatic missions is the responsibility of the host country and urged Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure full protection. The closure of the visa centre has affected applicants who had appointments scheduled for the day. Officials said these appointments will be rescheduled once conditions improve. While the move is expected to inconvenience many people who travel to India for medical care, education and business, Indian authorities stressed that security must come first. Tensions rose further after a Bangladeshi political leader recently made provocative remarks, warning that if Bangladesh faced instability, it could impact India’s northeastern states and even provide shelter to separatist groups. India rejected what it described as a false narrative being spread by extremist elements and expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of proper investigation and information sharing by Bangladesh. At the same time, Bangladesh has summoned India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka and renewed its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced in connection with last year’s unrest. India has said diplomatic channels remain open, but the visa centre will stay closed until the security situation stabilises.