New Delhi | December 17, 2025
India on Wednesday temporarily shut its Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka due to the prevailing security situation, signaling heightened concern over the safety of Indian diplomatic facilities and citizens.
The IVAC, located at Jamuna Future Park, serves as the primary integrated center for all Indian visa services in Dhaka. Authorities said the decision was taken purely as a precautionary measure amid growing security risks in the city.
In a statement, the IVAC said the center was closed after 2:00 PM on Wednesday in view of the evolving security environment. Applicants who had appointments scheduled for the day will have their dates rescheduled, the center confirmed.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Summoned
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah to convey India’s serious concerns. The MEA flagged reports of alleged plans by extremist elements to disrupt the security environment around the Indian mission in Dhaka.
India urged the interim government of Bangladesh to fulfill its diplomatic obligations by ensuring adequate protection for Indian missions, offices, and personnel in the country.
The MEA also formally communicated India’s deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh, underlining that the safety of Indian citizens and diplomatic establishments remains New Delhi’s highest priority.
The move comes at a time of heightened regional sensitivity, with diplomatic missions across the region on alert due to rising political and security uncertainties.
