The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong on Sunday announced the suspension of all visa operations. The announcement was made following a security incident at the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in the port city earlier this week. The suspension came into effect yesterday and will remain in place until further notice.
In an official statement, IVAC Bangladesh said, “Due to a recent security incident at AHCI Chittagong, Indian visa operations at IVAC Chittagong will remain suspended from 21 December until further notice.” The visa centre clarified that services would resume only after a thorough assessment of the local security situation. “The announcement for reopening the visa centre will be made after reviewing the situation,” the statement added.
Outrage triggered after recent youth killings
The security concerns arose in Bangladesh after a chain of violent incidents disrupted law and order situation in the country.
A 27-year-old Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Mymensingh over accusations of blasphemy on December 18, after which his body was set on fire. The incident sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. So far, authorities have arrested ten people in connection with the killing of the Hindu youth.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser of the Interim government, Muhammad Yunus, confirmed the arrests in a post on X. “Law enforcement agencies have arrested ten individuals in connection with the beating murder of Dipu Chandra Das (27), a Sanatan Hindu youth, in Baluka, Mymensingh,” he said.
According to officials, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) apprehended seven suspects, while the police arrested three others.
Also, tension remains high in the capital city, Dhaka, following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Moncho. Hadi, a prominent figure linked to last year’s July Uprising, was shot dead on 12 December in the Bijoynagar area.
After his funeral prayers at Dhaka University on Saturday, members of Inqilab Moncho rallied towards the Shahbagh area. Fresh protests erupted yesterday as activists gathered at the Shahbagh intersection, demanding justice for Hadi.
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