The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala has indefinitely suspended all visa and consular services with effect from Tuesday, citing “unavoidable circumstances.” An official notification, signed by SM Almas Hossain, First Secretary and Head of Mission, stated that all categories of visa and consular activities at the mission in Agartala will remain closed until further instructions are issued. The suspension comes in the wake of escalating tension following protests outside the Mission by the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party, the Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF), along with several right-wing organisations.
The protesters staged the demonstration against the alleged attacks on members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh and objected to recent statements on the Northeast region made by leaders of the National Citizen Party. Slogans were raised demanding firm action from Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and rights of religious minorities. Meanwhile, security around the Assistant High Commission has been tightened as a precautionary measure. Officials have not indicated when visa and consular services are likely to resume, and applicants have been advised to await further announcements from the mission.
