The Bangladesh Indian Visa Application Centre closure has entered its second consecutive day, marking a significant disruption for thousands of visa applicants amid growing India Bangladesh diplomatic tension. On 18 December 2025, the Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) located in Rajshahi and Khulna announced the temporary suspension of operations, citing an ongoing security situation in the country. This development followed the earlier closure of the IVAC at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, deepening concerns over the safety of Indian diplomatic and consular facilities in Bangladesh.

At the heart of this development lies a rapidly evolving security scenario that has triggered diplomatic exchanges, public protests, and administrative action on both sides. The Bangladesh IVAC closure news has become a major point of discussion not just for travellers but also for policymakers, businesses, students, and families who rely heavily on cross-border movement between India and Bangladesh.

Rising Security Concerns Behind the IVAC Shutdown

According to an official notice issued by the State Bank of India, the only authorised agency for receiving Indian visa applications in Bangladesh, the decision to close the Rajshahi IVAC and Khulna IVAC was taken purely as a precautionary measure. The notice clearly stated that the centres would remain closed on 18 December 2025 due to the prevailing security situation. Importantly, authorities reassured applicants that all individuals with pre-booked appointment slots would be allotted fresh dates at a later stage, ensuring that the Indian visa application Bangladesh today process is delayed but not cancelled.

This clarification has offered some relief to applicants who were worried about losing their application fees or having to restart the entire process. However, uncertainty continues to loom as no clear timeline has been provided for the reopening of these centres.

Jamuna Future Park Closure Triggered Wider Shutdown

The current situation began a day earlier when the Indian Visa Application Centre at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka announced an early closure at 2 PM on 17 December 2025. That announcement, also driven by security concerns, became the first visible sign that tensions were impacting routine consular services. With Dhaka being a major hub for visa processing, the closure immediately raised red flags.

Soon after, the decision to shut down additional centres in Rajshahi and Khulna confirmed that the issue was not isolated but part of a broader security assessment. The Bangladesh visa centre shutdown has now affected multiple regions, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

India Summons Bangladesh High Commissioner

The India Bangladesh diplomatic tension escalated further when India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah. The meeting was reportedly held in response to recent threats directed at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and inflammatory anti India statements made by certain Bangladeshi political figures.

India conveyed its concerns firmly, emphasising the importance of protecting diplomatic missions in accordance with international conventions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made it clear that India expects the interim government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian missions and posts, a responsibility that is non-negotiable under diplomatic obligations.

Protests and Anti India Sentiment in Dhaka

The backdrop to the Indian visa Bangladesh latest news includes large-scale protests in Dhaka. On 17 December, groups of protesters carrying banners reading “July Oikya” (July Unity) marched through parts of the capital while chanting anti India slogans. The protesters attempted to move towards the Indian High Commission, raising alarms among security agencies.

Bangladesh police intervened and intercepted the procession near Hossain Market in North Badda, preventing the group from reaching the diplomatic enclave. The demonstrators reportedly raised several demands, including the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, further complicating an already sensitive political environment.

Bangladesh Also Raised Concerns With India

The diplomatic strain has not been one-sided. Earlier, Dhaka summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, to express concerns over what it described as “incendiary” statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil. This exchange highlights how political narratives and public messaging have contributed to the present climate of mistrust.

As both sides trade diplomatic notes, ordinary citizens are facing the practical consequences, with the Bangladesh Indian Visa Application Centre closure disrupting travel plans, medical visits, educational admissions, and business schedules.

Scale of Impact: Millions of Applications Affected

The scale of disruption is significant. India operates 16 visa application centres across Bangladesh, collectively processing nearly 22 lakh visa applications every year. These include tourist visas, medical visas, student visas, business visas, and family visit visas. Even a temporary shutdown can create a backlog that takes weeks or months to clear.

For many Bangladeshis, India remains a preferred destination for healthcare, higher education, religious travel, and trade. The current Indian visa application Bangladesh today situation has left applicants anxious, especially those with urgent medical needs or time-bound academic commitments.

Government Assurances and MEA Statement

Amid the uncertainty, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s stance, stating that India supports peace and stability in Bangladesh and has consistently called for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in a peaceful environment. The MEA also rejected what it termed as false narratives spread by extremist elements within Bangladesh’s interim administration regarding recent developments.

By issuing this statement, India sought to counter misinformation while reinforcing its expectation that Bangladesh would uphold its international responsibilities, particularly in safeguarding foreign missions.

Administrative Response by State Bank of India

From an operational standpoint, the State Bank of India has played a crucial role in managing the situation on the ground. By promptly issuing notices and assuring applicants of rescheduled appointments, the bank has attempted to reduce panic among visa seekers. However, without clarity on when normal services will resume, the backlog remains a pressing concern.

Applicants are advised to monitor official IVAC communications closely and avoid relying on rumours or unofficial sources, especially given the sensitive nature of the current security concerns Bangladesh India context.

Broader Implications for India Bangladesh Relations

The Bangladesh IVAC closure news is not merely an administrative issue but a reflection of deeper diplomatic and political undercurrents. India and Bangladesh share a long history of cooperation across trade, security, energy, and cultural exchanges. Disruptions in people-to-people connectivity can strain these ties if prolonged.

Analysts believe that restoring normal visa operations will require a visible improvement in the security environment and clear assurances from Bangladeshi authorities regarding the safety of Indian personnel and infrastructure.

What Lies Ahead for Visa Applicants

For now, visa applicants remain in a wait-and-watch mode. The assurance of fresh appointment slots offers temporary relief, but uncertainty persists. Travel agents, hospitals, universities, and businesses on both sides of the border are closely tracking developments, as extended closures could have ripple effects across sectors.

The Bangladesh Indian Visa Application Centre closure serves as a reminder of how geopolitical tensions can directly impact everyday lives. As diplomatic engagements continue behind closed doors, the hope remains that stability will return soon, allowing visa services to resume and cross-border ties to function smoothly once again.

In conclusion, the closure of Rajshahi IVAC and Khulna IVAC, following the Jamuna Future Park shutdown, underscores the seriousness of the current situation. With India Bangladesh diplomatic tension at a sensitive juncture, ensuring security, clear communication, and swift resolution will be key to restoring normalcy for millions who depend on the Indian visa Bangladesh latest news to plan their futures.

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