Sajjad Ali Nayani ✍🏼
Friday World 24/12/2025
Earlier, India had already suspended visa services indefinitely at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong (Chatgaon), Bangladesh, starting from 21 December. This move came in response to ongoing protests in Bangladesh and rising security threats, including stone-pelting and violence directed at Indian missions.
The primary reason behind this tension is the continuing political instability and violence inside Bangladesh. Young leader **Sharif Usman Hadi** (founder of Inqilab Manch and a prominent face of the student movement) was shot on 12 December in Dhaka. He succumbed to his injuries on 18 December while undergoing treatment in Singapore. The incident triggered widespread protests and violence across the country, with anti-India slogans and attacks reported at several locations.
Most recently, on 22 December, Mohammad Motaleb Shikder, leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP) (Divisional President of Khulna and organiser of the labour wing), was shot inside his home in Khulna. The bullet passed near his ear, but he is now out of danger. NCP is a party that emerged from the 2024 student uprising which ousted Sheikh Hasina from power. Police have launched an operation to identify and arrest the attackers, though no one has been apprehended yet. This wave of violence has further fuelled anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh. During Hadi’s funeral procession and subsequent demonstrations, strong anti-India slogans were raised, leading to attacks on Indian diplomatic missions. The Indian Army remains on high alert along the border, and senior officers from the Eastern Command have recently visited the India-Bangladesh border areas.
In the current situation, the suspension of visa services between the two countries is creating significant hardships for ordinary citizens. De-escalation will require serious diplomatic dialogue from both sides to restore normalcy and rebuild bilateral ties.
Sajjad Ali Nayani ✍🏼
Friday World 24/12/2025
