India reopened its visa application center in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Thursday, a day after it was closed due to heightened security concerns. However, two other centers in Bangladesh – located in Khulna (southwest) and Rajshahi (northwest) – remain closed for the same security reasons, officials and reports said, as reported by PTI.
There are five IVAC centers in Bangladesh. Besides those in Dhaka, Khulna and Rajshahi, there are two more in the northeastern port city of Chattogram and northeastern Sylhet. The IVAC at Dhaka’s Jamuna Future Park is the main integrated hub for all Indian visa services in the capital.
“The Indian Visa Application Center in Dhaka is now operational and functioning normally,” an IVAC official told PTI.
The IVAC center in Dhaka was temporarily closed on Wednesday after tensions escalated when a large group of anti-India protesters marched towards the Indian High Commission.
On Thursday, the IVAC website reported that its two other centers in Khulna and Rajshahi were also closed due to similar security concerns.
“Due to the ongoing security situation, we would like to inform you that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18/12/2025),” it said, adding, “All applicants who have booked dates to submit today will receive a date later.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladeshi envoy Riaz Hamidullah and expressed its strong concern over some extremist elements announcing plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka.
“We expect the interim government to ensure the security of missions and posts in Bangladesh in accordance with its diplomatic commitments,” it said. The envoy was briefed on India’s strong concerns about the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh, he added.
The MEA said: “India completely rejects the false narrative that extremist elements have tried to create regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh. It is regrettable that the caretaker government has not conducted a thorough investigation or shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents.”
Placing the issue in a broader bilateral context, the MEA added: “India has a close and friendly relationship with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives. We are for peace and stability in Bangladesh and consistently demand free, fair, inclusive and credible elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.”
The summons also followed recent incidents, including anti-India rhetoric by National Civic Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, who made a public speech in which he threatened to isolate the “Seven Sisters” and give sanctuary to northeastern separatists if Bangladesh was destabilized. Abdullah is known for his strong anti-India stance.
(With input from agencies)
