Indian visa application centers across Bangladesh will remain closed indefinitely due to the unstable situation in the country following significant political upheaval. The unrest erupted after massive protests forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India. The volatile environment has led to the suspension of visa services, impacting numerous applicants.
The Indian Visa Application Centre has issued a notice on their website indicating that all centers are closed until further notice. Applicants are advised to wait for updates regarding the resumption of services, which will be communicated via SMS. Additionally, passport collection will be available on the next working day once services resume.
The decision to close the visa centers comes as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing instability and violent protests across Bangladesh. Following the political crisis, India undertook the evacuation of 190 non-essential staff members and their families from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Despite this evacuation, the Indian diplomatic missions, including those in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet, remain operational. All remaining diplomats are still present in Bangladesh, working to maintain essential functions amid the unrest.
The political turmoil began in June with protests led mainly by students against a controversial job quota system. The system, which allocated 30 per cent reservation for the families of veterans from the 1971 Liberation War, was met with significant opposition. Initially peaceful, the protests escalated into violence after a police crackdown. The unrest soon expanded into a broader movement demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years.
The protests culminated in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh on Monday. Despite her resignation, the situation remains tense, with continued violence including vandalism and looting targeting Hindu communities and temples.
An interim government, backed by the military and led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, is set to take oath on Thursday. This transition is occurring amidst ongoing violent protests, highlighting the fragile state of the country’s political landscape.
In parallel with the situation in Bangladesh, the Indian government is working on securing asylum for Sheikh Hasina in a European country, as reported by India Today TV. This effort reflects the ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian considerations stemming from the political crisis.
The closure of Indian visa application centers in Bangladesh underscores the severity of the current political crisis. As the situation continues to evolve, both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments are navigating complex challenges to ensure the safety of individuals and the continuity of essential services. The international community remains closely engaged as the region seeks stability and resolution.