The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala has indefinitely suspended all consular and visa services following a security breach and acts of vandalism at its premises earlier this week. The decision, effective immediately, was announced in a statement signed by Mohammad Al-Ameen, the First Secretary of the mission.
“Given the security situation, all visa and consular services at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala, will remain suspended until further notice. This comes into effect immediately,” the statement read, urging visa and consular service seekers to stay informed about future updates.
The suspension follows a protest on Monday near the mission’s office in the Circuit House area, organised by social organisations under the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti. Protesters had gathered near the Mahatma Gandhi statue, raising concerns reportedly tied to religious and political issues involving Bangladesh.
While a delegation of six protesters submitted a memorandum to the assistant high commissioner peacefully, some members of the crowd breached the office’s security barricades, resulting in damage. Protesters removed Bangladesh’s national flag from its pole, broke plastic chairs and flowerpots, and disrupted the mission’s operations.
Tripura police subsequently arrested seven individuals for their alleged involvement in the incident, and security around the mission has been reinforced.
A senior police official stated, “We have taken all necessary measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. The arrested individuals are being interrogated to understand the full scope of the breach.”
The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. The diplomatic fallout is being closely monitored, with experts stressing the importance of safeguarding international missions to maintain bilateral relations.
