India closes visa application center in Chattogram

India has halted operations at its visa application center in Chattogram, citing security concerns.

In a notice published on its website, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) said the Chattogram center would remain closed from Sunday until further notice. It added that an announcement would be made later about when services might resume.

There was no immediate comment from officials at the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram.

The closure comes amid heightened tensions following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi, who died in Singapore on Thursday after being shot earlier this month in Dhaka.

After news of Osman Hadi's death spread, protests broke out in several parts of the capital and elsewhere in the country. Late on Thursday night, demonstrators gathered outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram's Khulshi area, sparking worries over security.

Earlier on, Indian authorities had temporarily shut down the visa application center at Dhaka's Jamuna Future Park for several hours, also on security grounds, as heated demonstrations were being spearheaded in Dhaka city.

The developments have unfolded against a backdrop of diplomatic unease. Last week, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh's High Commissioner in New Delhi to express "strong concerns" over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, including threats by extremist groups to target the Indian diplomatic mission located in Dhaka.

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry also summoned Pranay Verma, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh a few days ago, over allegations of provocative statements being propagated from the Indian side.

India has called upon the Bangladesh interim government to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions, while Bangladeshi officials have said security has been fortified around vital organizations including embassies, consulates and high commissions.