Indian Visa Centres in Bangladesh Shut Indefinitely Amid Unstable Situation

Photo : PTI

Massive protests against the Awami League government in Bangladesh have led to significant political upheaval, resulting in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and her flight to India. In response to the ongoing unrest, all Indian visa application centers in Bangladesh will remain closed until further notice. The online visa portal now displays a notification stating, "All IVACs will remain closed till further notice, due to unstable situation. Next application date will be informed through SMS. Please pick up passports on the next working day."

This closure follows a recent evacuation of non-essential staff and their families from the Indian High Commission and consulates in Bangladesh, although the diplomatic missions themselves continue to operate. India maintains a High Commission in Dhaka and consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.

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The protests, aimed at the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, have resulted in the 76-year-old leader's resignation and her subsequent relocation to India. An interim government, supported by the military, is being established with Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus set to lead the caretaker administration.

In response to the crisis, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has noted that approximately 19,000 Indian nationals are currently in Bangladesh, including 9,000 students. Many of these students have already returned to India due to the unrest. Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is maintaining close contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh and is closely monitoring the situation, particularly concerning the safety of minorities in the country.