The ongoing crisis in Bangladesh has led to the indefinite closure of all Indian visa centres (IVACs) in the country. This decision follows the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Despite the closure of visa centres, Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh remain operational. Indian diplomats are still present, and the missions continue to function, according to sources.
The Indian Visa Application Center (Bangladesh) online portal now displays a message stating, “All IVACs will remain closed until further notice due to the unstable situation. The next application date will be notified via SMS. Please collect your passport on the next working day.”
This development follows India’s recent evacuation of non-essential staff and their families from its High Commission and consulates in Bangladesh. India maintains a High Commission in Dhaka and consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament that India is closely monitoring the situation concerning minorities in Bangladesh. He also assured that the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh remains in contact with Indian citizens there.
The crisis in Bangladesh has seen widespread protests, leading many students to return to India. Amidst the turmoil, Bangladesh is expected to receive an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, set to be announced on Thursday.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament on Tuesday after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on Monday. Hasina, who had been in office since 2009, is currently in India following her departure from Dhaka.
Nahid Islam, a key figure in the anti-quota protests that led to Hasina’s resignation, is believed to be instrumental in forming the new interim government. Islam, along with President Shahabuddin and Army Chief Zaman, held significant discussions on the new government structure on Tuesday evening.