Bangladesh shuts Indian visa centres in Rajshahi, Khulna amid security concerns

Bangladesh shuts Indian visa centres in Rajshahi, Khulna amid security concerns

Bangladesh shut down two Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Rajshahi and Khulna on Thursday due to the ongoing security situation in the country.

An official notice on the IVAC website stated, “In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025). All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date."

Earlier, the IVAC in Dhaka, located at Jamuna Future Park, had also closed its office on Wednesday in response to security concerns. “In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today,” the centre said, adding that appointments scheduled for submission on Wednesday would be rescheduled. The Dhaka centre serves as the main integrated hub for all Indian visa services in the capital.

In response to the developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah in New Delhi, expressing strong concern over reports that certain extremist elements were planning to create security threats around the Indian mission in Dhaka.

“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the MEA said. The envoy was also briefed on India’s apprehensions regarding the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh.

The closures come amid heightened security concerns, with Indian authorities closely monitoring the situation to safeguard both its missions and applicants at the visa centres.