Bangladesh’s visa centers in Shiliguri (West Bengal) and Agartala (Tripura) have been temporarily closed following protests and threats from several organizations, officials confirmed Monday evening.

Diplomatic sources said members of Hindu nationalist groups—including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Jagaran Manch, and Shiliguri Metropolitan Unit—vandalized the Bangladesh visa center in Shiliguri on Monday.

Protesters also threatened that the center should remain closed. The demonstration was reportedly in response to alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

In Agartala, the Assistant High Commission has suspended all consular and visa services until further notice. Senior officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the decision, citing security concerns.

Earlier in the day, demonstrators in Shiliguri and Kolkata burned flex banners featuring the Bangladeshi flag and effigies of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The Shiliguri protest began at Bagha Jatin Park around noon, when VHP and Hindu Jagaran Manch activists staged a march to the Bangladesh visa center. Several protesters tore down flex banners and set them on fire. Law enforcement eventually cordoned off the area, but organizers threatened to keep the visa center closed until the safety of Hindus and temples in Bangladesh is ensured.

In Kolkata, three separate protests took place outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. The first, led by the “Nastik Manch” organization around 2:00pm IST, was halted by police, but activists continued demonstrations nearby before submitting a memorandum.

Later, National Congress workers held a one-hour protest before meeting officials. Subsequently, a group led by BJP and West Bengal opposition leader Shuvendu Adhikari, including Hindu monks, blocked a road near Beckbagan More and burned effigies, leading to scuffles with police.

These protests follow continued demonstrations in West Bengal, Delhi, and Tripura over the killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das.

However, Bangladesh authorities emphasized that the temporary closure of the visa centers is a precautionary measure to ensure safety amid volatile circumstances.