In counter move, Bangladesh puts visa operations on hold in India

In its statement on Sunday, the Indian Visa Application Centre, Bangladesh, had cited a “security incident” for suspending services. “Due to a recent security incident at AHCI (Assistant High Commission of India) Chittagong, Indian visa operations at IVAC Chittagong will remain suspended from 21/12/2025 until further notice,” it said. “The announcement for reopening the visa centre will be made after reviewing the situation,” it said.

Meanwhile, India and Bangladesh have also countered each other on a reported protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. While India has denied any security breach, Bangladesh has “entirely rejected” the statement.

“We have noted misleading propaganda in sections of the Bangladesh media on the incident. The fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 20 and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Sunday.

“There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see. India is committed to ensure the safety of foreign missions/ posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention,” he said.

“India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh. Our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice,” Jaiswal said.

Das, a 27-year-old Hindu youth, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy, and his body was subsequently set on fire on December 18.

Rejecting India’s statement, Bangladesh questioned how the protesters were allowed to come so close in a secured diplomatic enclave. “Regarding the Indian press note, we completely reject it, entirely reject it. The issue has been presented as if it were very simple, whereas in reality it is not,” state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) had quoted the interim government’s foreign affairs adviser M Touhid Hossain as saying at a media briefing.

He questioned how a group of 25 to 30 people, “described as belonging to a Hindu extremist organisation, could reach such a sensitive zone,” adding that under normal circumstances this should not have been possible “unless they were allowed the access.”