Kathmandu, Dec 21: The Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Bangladesh’s Chittagong has been closed indefinitely following a recent security incident, IVAC officials said.

The decision comes after an attack on the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Chittagong. In a statement, IVAC said all Indian visa-related services in Chittagong will remain suspended from December 21 until further notice.

“This decision has been taken in view of the recent security incident at the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. Information regarding the reopening of visa application centers will be provided after reviewing the situation,” the statement said.

The closure follows protests outside the Indian High Commission in Chittagong on Thursday night after the death of Bangladeshi student leader Usman Hadi. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters throwing stones at the Assistant High Commissioner’s residence before police dispersed the crowd using batons. At least 12 people were arrested in connection with the incident.

Earlier, on December 17, a platform called July OICYA had announced a siege of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Following this, the IVAC at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka was temporarily closed citing security concerns, though it reopened on December 18.