Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka shuts down early amid rising security concerns. Know the reason

“In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today,” the centre said in a notification, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

The notice added that applicants who had appointments scheduled for visa submissions on Wednesday would not be rescheduled for a later date.

The IVAC at Jamuna Future Park (JFP) is the primary integrated facility handling all Indian visa services in Dhaka.

India summons Bangladesh envoy

The early closure came amid heightened diplomatic tensions, with India summoning Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah, to lodge a strong protest over security threats to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and a surge in anti-India rhetoric by Bangladeshi political leaders.

Also Read: India summons Bangladesh High Commissioner after provocative 'seven sisters' remark

The move follows controversial remarks by a leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP), who claimed that Dhaka would provide shelter to forces hostile to India and assist in severing India’s northeastern region—popularly known as the “Seven Sisters”—from the rest of the country.

New Delhi flags mission security concerns

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Bangladeshi envoy was formally conveyed India’s grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh.

India expressed particular alarm over the activities of extremist elements who have openly announced plans to create security threats around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.

The MEA said India “categorically rejects” what it described as a false and dangerous narrative being propagated by extremist groups in connection with recent developments in Bangladesh.

Criticism of interim government’s handling

In a strongly worded statement, New Delhi voiced disappointment that Bangladesh’s interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared substantive evidence with India regarding recent incidents that have triggered diplomatic friction.

Reiterating the historical foundation of bilateral ties, India underlined that its relationship with Bangladesh is rooted in the 1971 Liberation War and has since been strengthened through development cooperation and robust people-to-people exchanges.

India stressed that it supports peace and stability in Bangladesh and has consistently called for free, fair and inclusive elections conducted in a peaceful environment.

‘Seven Sisters’ remark sparks outrage

The controversy was triggered by comments from NCP student leader Hasnat Abdullah, who at a protest rally organised by Inqilab Mancha claimed that India’s “Seven Sisters” would be separated from the country.

The rally was held in connection with an attack on another student leader, Osman Hadi, with Abdullah alleging—without providing evidence—that India was backing the accused.

The remarks came at a sensitive time, coinciding with Bangladesh’s observance of its 55th Victory Day, amplifying their political and diplomatic impact.

India rejects allegations, calls for law and order

India has firmly rejected the allegations emerging from Bangladeshi political platforms.

The External Affairs Ministry said it expects the interim government in Dhaka to take all necessary steps to maintain internal law and order, including ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

New Delhi’s response comes amid growing unease over Bangladesh’s internal political turbulence following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with Indian officials closely monitoring developments they say include attempts to dilute the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War and recalibrate Dhaka’s regional alignments.