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The Indian visa application centres in Bangladesh remain closed indefinitely due to the unrest, which led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister and her departure from the country.
The online portal for Indian visa applications now shows a notice stating, “All IVACs will stay closed until further notice due to the unstable situation. The next application date will be communicated via SMS, and applicants are advised to collect their passports on the following working day.”
Significantly, on Wednesday, New Delhi evacuated non-essential personnel and their families from its High Commission and consulates in Bangladesh due to the volatile situation.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka continues to operate, with a team of senior Indian diplomats remaining in the country. India maintains a High Commission in Dhaka and four assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna.
Approximately 19,000 Indian nationals are in Bangladesh, with about 9,000 being students. Most of the students returned to India in July following an advisory from the Indian government.
Bangladesh is experiencing considerable political turmoil following the resignation and exit of former Prime Minister Hasina. Hasina, who served for more than two decades, left the country on August 5 amidst extensive protests.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Tuesday, “We are monitoring the situation concerning the status of minorities.”
He added, “There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored,” while addressing the parliament on Tuesday.
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