The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Khulna, located in the southwest, and Rajshahi in the northwest were closed due to security worries amid significant protest marches that were stopped by law enforcement.
In Rajshahi, the “Bharityo Adhipotto Birodhi July 36 Mancha” attempted to approach the Assistant High Commission of India, but police in riot gear intervened when clashes erupted as protesters tried to breach security barriers.
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The protesters were seen chanting anti-India slogans in videos shared on social media. There have been ongoing anti-India protests in Dhaka and elsewhere for some time now.
Bangladesh has five IVAC centres. Besides those in Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi, two additional centres are located in the northeastern port city of Chattogram and Sylhet. The IVAC situated in Dhaka’s Jamuna Future Park serves as the main, integrated hub for all Indian visa services in the capital.
“Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka is currently operational and functioning normally,” an IVAC representative informed PTI.
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The IVAC in Dhaka had announced a temporary closure on Wednesday due to rising tensions as a large group of anti-India protesters approached the Indian High Commission.
Authorities confirmed they had increased security measures around the Indian mission.
The centre stated on its website that the IVAC in Khulna and Rajshahi was closed the following Thursday.
“Due to the current security situation, we wish to inform you that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025),” it noted, adding, “All applicants with appointments scheduled for submission today will be rescheduled for a later date.”
The envoy was informed of India’s serious concerns regarding the worsening security environment in Bangladesh, as stated.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry in Dhaka assured foreign missions about adequate security measures in place ahead of the upcoming February elections.
