'Unstable situation...': Indian visa centers in Bangladesh shut indefinitely
All Indian visa application centers in Bangladesh have been indefinitely closed due to the political turmoil in the country. The online portal for Indian visa applications now shows a message stating, "All IVACs will remain closed till further notice, due to unstable situation. Next application date will be informed through SMS & It is requested to pick up the passport on the next working day."
Why does this story matter?
This move comes after the recent resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina due to widespread protests against her Awami League government over a government job quota scheme. The policy reserved 30% of government jobs for descendants of veterans who fought in the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan—the majority of whom are affiliated with her party. The protests later escalated into a movement demanding Hasina's resignation following violent police crackdowns.
India evacuates non-essential staff from Bangladesh
Prior to the closure of visa centers, India evacuated 190 non-essential staff and their families from its High Commission and consulates in Bangladesh due to the ongoing unrest. However, Indian diplomats remain in the country and the missions continue to operate, reports said. India maintains a high commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, and consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.
India 'closely monitoring situation'
On Wednesday, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed Parliament regarding the situation in Bangladesh, stating that there are nearly 19,000 Indian nationals residing there, including around 9,000 students. Jaishankar also mentioned that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation of minorities living in Bangladesh. Additionally, the Indian government is reportedly working on securing asylum for Hasina in a European country.
Interim government formation underway in Bangladesh
Normalcy is expected to return in Bangladesh as the interim government, backed by the Army, takes over. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, has been selected to head this caretaker government. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced during a press conference that Yunus is expected to arrive in Bangladesh for an oath-taking ceremony scheduled at 8:00pm, Thursday.
