Bangladesh in turmoil
All Indian visa application centres (IVACs) in Bangladesh will remain closed until further notice following significant unrest in the neighboring country. The closure comes in the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent departure from Bangladesh amid escalating political turmoil.
The online visa application portal now displays a message stating, “All IVACs will remain closed till further notice, due to unstable situation. The next application date will be informed through SMS. It is requested to pick up the passport on the next working day.”
This development follows India’s evacuation of non-essential staff and their families from its High Commission and consulates in Bangladesh due to the volatile environment. Despite these evacuations, Indian diplomats remain in the country, and the missions are still operational, according to government sources.
India’s diplomatic presence in Bangladesh includes the High Commission in Dhaka and consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.
In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and fled to India following widespread protests against her government. The 76-year-old leader’s departure comes amid escalating unrest and calls for her ousting.
An interim government, backed by the Army, is in the process of being established. Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus is set to lead the caretaker government during this transitional period.
In response to the situation, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar provided an update on the status of Indian nationals in Bangladesh. He revealed that approximately 19,000 Indians are currently in the country, including 9,000 students. Many students have already returned to India as the protests intensified.
Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is maintaining close contact with its citizens in Bangladesh and is closely monitoring the situation, particularly concerning the safety of minorities living in the country.
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