Chittagong, Bangladesh — India has halted visa services at its application center in Chittagong amid escalating tensions surrounding a violent protest near its diplomatic mission. Officials announced the suspension on Sunday, stating that operations would remain closed until further notice, with any potential resumption contingent upon a thorough assessment of local security conditions.
The decision follows clashes that erupted outside the Indian Assistant High Commission on Friday, leaving at least four individuals injured, including two police officers. Local reports indicate that the unrest was sparked by the recent death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the radical group Inqilab Mancha. Protesters assembled outside the mission early Friday, launching bricks and damaging property, prompting a swift police response.
Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz detailed the chaotic scene, describing how law enforcement faced off against demonstrators, resulting in a pursuit that left several individuals injured. Those affected were transported to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for medical assistance.
In the aftermath of the incident, police detained multiple individuals at the protest site. Officials indicated that those apprehended could be charged under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act. The situation has raised significant concerns regarding security in the area, leading to heightened scrutiny of local dynamics.
Earlier in the week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed its apprehensions about the deteriorating security climate to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah. This diplomatic communication underscores New Delhi’s serious concerns about the impact of escalating violence on its citizens abroad.
The ongoing unrest has added to a backdrop of friction in bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, particularly regarding issues of security and political stability. As tensions simmer, observers are watching closely how both nations respond to recent events, with the potential for further diplomatic implications.
Authorities are currently working to assess the risks facing the Indian mission and will determine the appropriate steps in light of the ongoing volatility. As officials strive to restore order, the residents of Chittagong and nearby areas remain on alert, wary of further unrest.