Amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, India has suspended visa services at its application center in Chittagong, effective Sunday, December 21, 2025. The decision follows protests and heightened tensions sparked by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and critic of India.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in student-led protests the previous year, which led to the ousting of the Awami League government, was a candidate for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12. He was shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 during an election rally in Dhaka. Hadi died on December 18 while receiving treatment in Singapore.

Hadi's death triggered widespread unrest and acts of vandalism across Bangladesh, including stone-hurling at the Assistant Indian High Commissioner's residence in Chattogram. Protesters gathered outside the Indian mission in Chittagong's Khulshi area, leading to clashes with police where at least four people were injured.

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) stated that visa services would remain suspended until further notice, pending a review of the situation. An announcement regarding the reopening of the visa center will be made after the security situation is reassessed.

Security has been intensified around the Assistant High Commission of India in Chittagong. Authorities also heightened security at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and visa application center in Sylhet.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed what it described as "misleading propaganda" regarding a protest in front of the Bangladesh High Commission. The MEA clarified that a small group gathered to protest the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh and to call for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh, but there was no security breach.

The MEA had previously summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey New Delhi's strong concerns regarding the security environment in Bangladesh. India urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Indian missions and posts in accordance with diplomatic responsibilities.

The suspension of visa services in Chittagong comes amidst these heightened tensions and concerns for the safety of Indian personnel and property in Bangladesh. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and awaiting a return to normalcy before resuming visa operations.