The Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC) located in Khulna, in the southwest, and Rajshahi, in the northwest, were closed citing security issues, as large protest marches directed at these facilities were halted by law enforcement.
In Rajshahi, members of the “Bharityo Adhipotto Birodhi July 36 Mancha” attempted to advance towards the Assistant High Commission of India but were met by police in riot gear, resulting in a brief clash as protestors tried to breach the security barriers.
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According to videos shared on social media, the protestors shouted anti-India slogans. Such protests against India have been occurring in Dhaka and other regions for some time now.
Bangladesh has five IVAC centres. In addition to those in Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi, the other two are situated in the northeastern port city of Chattogram and Sylhet. The IVAC located at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka serves as the primary, integrated centre for all Indian visa services in the capital.
An IVAC official informed PTI, “The Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka is now operational and functioning normally.”
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The IVAC in Dhaka had announced a temporary closure on Wednesday amid rising tensions when a considerable group of anti-India protestors approached the Indian High Commission.
According to police, additional security measures have been implemented around the Indian mission.
The centre noted on its website that its facilities in Khulna and Rajshahi were closed on Thursday.
“Due to the ongoing security situation, we would like to inform you that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025),” the announcement stated, adding, “All applicants with appointment slots scheduled for submission today will be rescheduled for a later date.”
The envoy was briefed on India’s significant concerns regarding the declining security atmosphere in Bangladesh, the statement added.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry in Dhaka reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring adequate security measures for foreign missions in light of the upcoming February elections.
