Anti-India sentiments continued to flare in Bangladesh on Wednesday, with protesters attempting marches towards Indian diplomatic missions in multiple cities. As a result of the threats from such protests, two Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Rajshahi and Khulna were closed on Thursday. The protestors also clashed with police.
In Rajshahi, protesters organised under the banner “Bharityo Adhipotto Birodhi July 36 Mancha” (Anti-Indian Hegemony July 36 Platform) began a march from Bhadra Mor towards the Assistant High Commission of India. Police intervened by setting up barricades, leading to clashes as demonstrators attempted to push forward. The procession was ultimately obstructed, preventing it from reaching the Assistant High Commission.
However, the protestors vowed to continue their efforts, and said that although police stopped them today, they will repeat it and attempt to reach the Indian mission later. One protestor said, ‘The police have obstructed our peaceful program. We will give our lives, but we will not retreat. If necessary, my body will lie here.’
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police said that they stopped the protestors to maintain law and order. ADC Farhad Hossain of Boalia Zone said that the demands of the protestors have reached the appropriate authorities through the media.
As a result of the protests, the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) run by State Bank of India in Bangladesh on Thursday announced that the visa application centre in Rajshahi will be closed today. Along with it, the centre at in Khulna will also remain closed for the day. A notification issued by IVAC said, “In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025). All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date.”
Similar protests erupted in the capital Dhaka the previous day (December 17), where a group under “July Oikya” (July Unity) marched demanding the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following mass uprising. Police blocked that demonstration near the Indian High Commission in Gulshan, amid chants of anti-India slogans and accusations of Indian interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. As a result of this protest, the IVAC in Dhaka was closed yesterday at 2 PM.
India maintains multiple Assistant High Commissions and visa centres in the country to facilitate travel, medical treatment, and people-to-people ties.
These events follow a pattern of escalating rhetoric, including threats from student leaders and political figures alleging Indian support for pro-Awami League elements. India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner on December 17 to express concerns over the security of its missions.
