New Delhi/Dhaka: India has suspended visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s second-largest city, until further notice, following rising tensions and security concerns triggered by the killing of a prominent youth leader.

The decision comes in the wake of violence and unrest that erupted after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in last year’s student-led protests that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.

Hadi, 32, was shot in the head by masked assailants on December 12 while campaigning in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area ahead of the February 12 general elections. He later died while undergoing treatment in Singapore on Thursday.

His death sparked widespread protests, vandalism, and attacks across Bangladesh. In Chittagong, stone pelting was reported at the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner, raising serious security concerns for Indian diplomatic facilities.

Visa services suspended indefinitely

Local newspaper The Dhaka Tribune quoted the Indian Visa Application Centre as saying that all Indian visa-related services in Chittagong have been suspended from December 21.

The IVAC said the suspension follows a recent security incident and will remain in place until further notice. Authorities added that a decision on reopening the centre will be taken after a review of the security situation.

Security tightened at Indian missions

On December 20, Indian diplomatic facilities in Sylhet were also placed under enhanced security. Local police said the move was aimed at ensuring that “no third party exploits the situation.”

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Saiful Islam confirmed that extra forces were deployed around the Assistant High Commission office and the visa centre.

Large funeral, anti-India slogans raised

Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest on Saturday beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, near Dhaka University mosque, under heavy security.

Tens of thousands of people attended the funeral prayers. Ahead of the burial, sections of the crowd raised anti-India slogans, including “Delhi or Dhaka — Dhaka, Dhaka” and “Brother Hadi’s blood will not be allowed to go in vain.”