The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has temporarily suspended all consular and visa services, citing an “unforeseen situation,” amid heightened security concerns following a protest by an extremist group outside the mission.

Diplomatic sources in both Dhaka and New Delhi confirmed that the suspension will remain in effect until further notice. In a notice issued on Monday, the High Commission said, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, all consular and visa services from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi are temporarily suspended until further notice.”

The decision follows a late-night protest on Saturday by around 20 to 25 members of an extremist outfit identifying itself as Akhanda Hindu Rashtra Sena, who gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission. The group reportedly chanted anti-Bangladesh slogans and issued threats against Bangladesh High Commissioner Md Riaz Hamidullah before dispersing after about 20 minutes.

According to a Daily Sun report, the incident has raised serious concerns in Dhaka, particularly because the Bangladesh mission is located in a highly secured diplomatic enclave in the Indian capital.

Responding to journalists on Sunday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain questioned how protesters were able to access such a sensitive area. “How could Hindu extremists enter such a sensitive area? This is not something that should have been allowed or anticipated,” he said, describing the breach as alarming.

Touhid Hossain also noted that the high commissioner’s family has been feeling unsafe since the incident, calling the situation deeply concerning given the mission’s location and expected security arrangements.

No timeline has been announced for the resumption of visa and consular services, as authorities continue to assess the security environment surrounding the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, sources at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said no corresponding decision has yet been taken by the Indian side in response to the developments.