India temporarily closed two Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Khulna and Rajshahi, Bangladesh, on December 18, 2025, citing an "ongoing security situation" amid anti-India protests in those cities. The closures followed a similar suspension of operations at the main Dhaka centre the previous day, though services there resumed on Thursday. Protests, including a march by groups like 'July 36 Mancha' toward the Indian Assistant High Commission in Rajshahi, involved clashes with security forces and threats of escalation. Demonstrators demanded the repatriation of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sheltering in India since fleeing Dhaka amid 2024 student-led protests. The incidents prompted India to summon Bangladesh's High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah on December 17, expressing strong concerns over threats to Indian missions and inflammatory rhetoric from extremist elements.

The tensions stem primarily from Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, repeatedly demanding Hasina's extradition following her in absentia convictions, including a death sentence for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 crackdown. India has rejected these as politically motivated and maintained silence on extradition, viewing Hasina as a longstanding ally who bolstered bilateral ties during her tenure. Recent provocative statements by Bangladeshi leaders, such as National Citizen Party's Hasnat Abdullah threatening to isolate India's northeastern "Seven Sisters" states or shelter separatists, further escalated rhetoric. New Delhi dismissed such remarks as false narratives while urging Dhaka to ensure diplomatic security per international obligations.

Protests reflect broader anti-India sentiment under the Yunus administration, perceived by some as tilting toward Pakistan and Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami. Demonstrators accuse India of interfering in Bangladesh's affairs by hosting Hasina and alleged fugitives. Indian officials highlighted risks to missions, leading to precautionary closures and rescheduling of visa appointments. Dhaka operations normalised quickly, but Khulna and Rajshahi remained shut pending improved conditions.

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This episode exacerbates strained relations since Hasina's ouster, reversing decades of close cooperation on trade, connectivity, and security. India's Gulf-focused diversification and Bangladesh's push for balanced foreign policy add layers, with observers noting potential Chinese influence gains.

Diplomatic channels remain active, with India favouring stability and peaceful elections in Bangladesh while prioritising mission safety. The visa disruptions inconvenience applicants but underscore mutual obligations in managing fallout from political transitions. As protests subside, focus shifts to de-escalation and rebuilding trust amid shared regional interests. The summoning and closures signal India's firm stance against threats while avoiding broader confrontation. Long-term ties depend on navigating Hasina's status sensitively without compromising sovereignty claims.

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