India Resumes Visa Services in Dhaka Amid Security Concerns

India has restarted its visa application services in Dhaka after a brief suspension due to security concerns. While the Dhaka center is operational, two other centers in Khulna and Rajshahi have been closed. This decision follows heightened tensions in the region, prompting the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to express serious concerns to the Bangladeshi envoy. The situation remains delicate as India seeks assurances for the safety of its diplomatic missions in Bangladesh.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 18, 2025, 18:20 IST

Visa Operations Restarted in Dhaka

Dhaka: On Thursday, India reinstated its visa application services in Dhaka, just a day after halting operations due to heightened security issues. However, two other visa centers in Bangladesh were shut down for the same reasons, according to officials and reports.

The Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC) located in Khulna and Rajshahi were closed due to security concerns.

Bangladesh hosts five IVAC locations. Besides Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi, the other two centers are situated in Chattogram and Sylhet. The Dhaka center, located in Jamuna Future Park, serves as the primary hub for all Indian visa services in the capital.

"The Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka is now back in operation and functioning as usual," an IVAC representative confirmed.

The Dhaka center had announced its temporary closure on Wednesday amid rising tensions, as a large group of anti-India demonstrators approached the Indian High Commission.

However, the IVAC's website indicated that the centers in Khulna and Rajshahi were closed on Thursday.

"Due to the current security situation, we would like to inform you that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025)," it stated, adding that all applicants with scheduled appointments would be rescheduled for a later date.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Bangladeshi envoy, Riaz Hamidullah, to express serious concerns regarding extremist groups planning to create disturbances around the Indian mission in Dhaka.

"We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of missions and posts in Bangladesh in accordance with its diplomatic responsibilities," the MEA stated, emphasizing India's worries about the worsening security situation in Bangladesh.