India shuts Dhaka visa centre as security fears rise after threats from Bangladeshi leaders
Dhaka, Bangladesh – India on Wednesday shut the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka as security concerns escalated in Bangladesh. The move followed threats from extremist groups and provocative statements by Bangladeshi political leaders. Officials acted swiftly to protect Indian personnel and facilities.
The Indian Visa Application Centre at Jamuna Future Park stopped operations at 2 pm. This centre serves as Dhaka’s main hub for Indian visa services. The management cited the prevailing security situation. It said all applicants with appointments on Wednesday will get fresh dates later.
Earlier in the day, New Delhi signalled its concern through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah. During the meeting, India conveyed strong concern over the worsening security environment in Bangladesh.
The MEA flagged specific threats. It told the envoy that extremist elements had announced plans to create security problems around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. India stressed that such statements raised serious red flags. Officials underlined the responsibility of the host country to ensure diplomatic safety.
“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh,” the MEA said. It referred to Bangladesh’s diplomatic obligations under international norms. The ministry also said it views threats to the Indian High Commission with utmost seriousness.
At the same time, India rejected what it called a false narrative spread by extremist groups. The MEA said these elements misrepresented recent events in Bangladesh. It added that the interim government has not shared credible evidence with India so far. It also said Dhaka has not completed a thorough investigation into the incidents linked to the threats.
The diplomatic tension intensified after remarks by a Bangladeshi political leader. On Monday, National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah issued a sharp warning at a public rally. He said that if Bangladesh faced destabilisation, it would move to isolate India’s northeastern states, known as the Seven Sisters. He also claimed that Bangladesh could shelter separatist groups.
Indian officials viewed these remarks as highly provocative. They saw them as an attempt to inflame regional tensions at a sensitive time. Consequently, security agencies reviewed risks around Indian assets in Bangladesh. The visa centre closure formed part of this broader assessment.
Meanwhile, Dhaka also took a parallel diplomatic step. Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka. It sought cooperation in an ongoing legal case. It again pressed India to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Last month, a Bangladeshi court sentenced Hasina to death in a crimes against humanity case. The verdict linked her to unrest last year that reportedly killed more than 500 people. India has not commented publicly on the merits of the case. However, New Delhi has maintained that extradition requests must follow legal and diplomatic processes.
For now, India has limited its response to precautionary measures. It has not announced broader restrictions on visas or travel. Still, officials remain alert. They continue to monitor developments closely.
In the coming days, India expects Bangladesh’s interim government to restore confidence. New Delhi wants clear action against threats. Until then, safety concerns will guide every operational decision on the ground.
