The central government has closed all Indian visa application centers in violence-hit Bangladesh till further notice. Earlier this week, Sheikh Hasina had to resign from the post of Prime Minister and take refuge in India due to massive protests.
This decision has been taken in view of the latest situation. The Indian Visa Application Center has informed applicants on its website that the next date will be informed via SMS and passports will be collected on the next working day. The notice says, “Due to the unstable situation, all Indian Visa Application Centers will remain closed until further notice. The next application date will be informed via SMS and passports are requested to be collected on the next working day.”
All missions are working in Bangladesh
The announcement came after India evacuated 190 non-essential staff and their family members from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on Monday, sources said. However, sources said all diplomats remain in Bangladesh and the missions are functioning. Apart from the High Commission in Dhaka, India has assistant high commissions or consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet.
Because of this, Hasina government left
In June, protests led mainly by students began over a controversial job quota system that provided 30 percent reservation for families of veterans who fought in the Liberation War in 1971. Initially peaceful, the protests turned violent after police cracked down on protesters. The protests then spiraled into a massive movement against Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, demanding the 76-year-old leader’s resignation.
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Despite Sheikh Hasina resigning and leaving Bangladesh for India with her sister on Monday, the unrest continues and hundreds of homes and businesses and temples belonging to Hindus are being vandalised and looted. On Thursday, the army-backed interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is set to be sworn in amid violent protests. Meanwhile, the Indian government is working on ensuring asylum for Sheikh Hasina in a European country.
