What exactly has happened?

Indian visa applications at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, have been suspended from December 21, 2025, and will stay shut until further notice. The step was announced through an official statement that clearly linked the suspension to a recent security incident at the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in Chittagong.​

In simple terms, if you were planning to apply for an Indian visa through the Chittagong centre, you currently cannot do so. The centre will reopen only after the situation is reviewed and authorities feel it is safe to restart operations.​

What was the security incident?

The suspension did not come out of nowhere. It followed political unrest and protests in Bangladesh after the death of a prominent youth and student leader, which triggered violence and tension in several parts of the country. During this unrest, a group gathered near the premises of the Assistant High Commission of India in Chittagong, and there were reports of stone-pelting and clashes in the area.​

Because of this, security around the Indian mission was tightened and authorities treated the episode as a serious security incident. To avoid putting diplomats, staff and visa applicants at risk, the decision was taken to temporarily halt visa services at the Chittagong IVAC.​

From when is the suspension effective?

The Indian Visa Application Centre in Chittagong has stopped accepting applications from December 21, 2025. The suspension has been described as “until further notice”, which means there is no fixed reopening date yet.​

Officials have said that operations will resume only after a review of the ground situation and security conditions. Any update about reopening is expected to be shared through official channels like the IVAC website or announcements from the Indian mission.​​

Who is affected by this?

The move affects:

• Bangladeshi citizens in and around Chittagong who usually apply for Indian visas through the local IVAC centre.​

• Residents of the region planning medical treatment, education, tourism, business visits, or family trips to India from Chittagong.​

• Travel agents and agencies who route their clients’ visa applications via the Chittagong centre.​

Other Indian Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh, such as those in Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, continue to operate, but the situation remains under close watch due to the wider unrest in the country.​

What should travellers and applicants do now?

If you were planning to apply for an Indian visa from Chittagong, here are a few practical steps:

• Check alternative centres: Explore whether you can apply through IVAC centres in other Bangladeshi cities like Dhaka, Sylhet, Khulna or Rajshahi, subject to their current operating status and rules.​

• Follow official updates: Regularly check the official IVAC Bangladesh website or social media for any notice on reopening or changes in procedure.​

• Avoid relying on rumours: In times of unrest, misleading information spreads fast, so always cross-check with official advisories before making travel plans.​

• Factor in delays: If you have urgent travel plans, consider that visa processing may take longer or may need to be rerouted through another city.​

Why such suspensions matter

When a visa centre is shut due to a security incident, it is not just a bureaucratic issue, it affects real people and real plans on both sides of the border. For many Bangladeshis, India is a key destination for healthcare, education, tourism and business, so any disruption in visa services can cause stress and uncertainty.​

At the same time, governments are responsible for ensuring the safety of their diplomatic staff and premises abroad, especially when protests and violence are taking place nearby. The suspension in Chittagong is a reminder of how quickly local political developments can impact everyday cross-border movement.