Bangladesh Shuts Visa Services in Agartala
Consular Operations Suspended Indefinitely Amid Protests and Security Concerns
- Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala suspends visa and consular services
- Heavy security deployed around the mission in Tripura
- Decision follows protests over lynching of Hindu youth in Bangladesh
- Similar suspension announced by Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi
GG News Bureau
Agartala, 23rd Dec: The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Tripura’s capital Agartala has suspended all visa and consular services for an indefinite period from Tuesday, citing “unavoidable circumstances”.
In a notification, First Secretary and Head of Commission S.M. Almas Hossain stated that all visa and consular operations will remain closed from December 23, 2025, until further notice. Following the announcement, security around the diplomatic mission has been significantly tightened, with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Tripura State Rifles deployed to safeguard the premises and officials.
The move comes amid sustained protests by several organisations and political groups outside the Agartala mission. Demonstrators have been protesting recent remarks by Bangladeshi leaders on India’s Northeast and the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. Protesters have accused Bangladesh’s interim administration of failing to protect religious minorities.
Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh High Commission also announced the temporary suspension of all consular and visa services in New Delhi until further notice, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the New Delhi mission, raising slogans against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Tensions escalated as demonstrators clashed with police and breached barricades while demanding justice and accountability over the killing of Dipu Chandra Das.
The 25-year-old worker was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy on December 18, triggering widespread outrage and international condemnation. Authorities in India remain on high alert around Bangladeshi diplomatic establishments amid the continuing protests.
