India has closed the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka following growing security concerns and escalating diplomatic tensions with Bangladesh. The decision was taken after intelligence inputs warned of threats from extremist elements and provocative statements made by certain Bangladeshi political leaders. The closure reflects India’s increasing concern over the safety of its diplomatic missions and personnel in the neighbouring country.
The Indian Visa Application Centre located at Jamuna Future Park, the primary hub for Indian visa services in Dhaka, suspended operations on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities cited the prevailing security situation as the reason for the shutdown and announced that all visa appointments scheduled for the day would be rescheduled. The move has affected a large number of applicants, as the centre handles the bulk of Indian visa requests in Bangladesh.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, to convey serious concerns over the deteriorating security environment. The MEA highlighted activities of extremist groups that had reportedly announced plans to create unrest around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. India stressed that it expects the interim government in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions in accordance with international obligations.
The MEA also rejected what it termed a false narrative being spread by extremist elements regarding recent developments in Bangladesh. Indian officials noted that the interim government had not conducted a thorough investigation into certain incidents nor shared substantial evidence with India. This lack of transparency, according to officials, has further complicated the situation.
The diplomatic move comes shortly after controversial remarks by a Bangladeshi political leader. National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah issued a warning suggesting that instability in Bangladesh could lead to efforts to isolate India’s northeastern states and provide shelter to separatist elements. These statements triggered strong concern in New Delhi and were seen as a direct threat to regional stability.
Separately, Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, seeking cooperation in an ongoing legal case and reiterating its demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina was recently sentenced to death in Bangladesh in connection with last year’s unrest that reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths.
With diplomatic exchanges intensifying and security concerns rising, the closure of the Dhaka visa centre signals a serious moment in Indo-Bangladesh relations. Officials on both sides are expected to continue engagements as the situation develops, with regional stability and diplomatic safety remaining key priorities.
