Bangladesh News Crisis: All ‘Indian Visa Application Centers’ in violence-hit Bangladesh will remain closed till further notice. Earlier this week, Sheikh Hasina had to resign from the post of Prime Minister and flee to India.
After Sheikh Hasina left the country, there have been large-scale violent incidents in Bangladesh. Hindus were targeted in the capital Dhaka, Chittagong and Kulna and other areas. Amidst these incidents, a big step has been taken amid the rapidly changing situation in Bangladesh. The Visa Center of the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh will remain closed till further orders. This decision has been taken by the Indian Embassy in view of the violence.
The Indian Visa Application Center informed applicants on its website that the next date will be informed through SMS. Passports should be collected on the next working day. The notice reads, “Due to the unstable situation, all Indian Visa Application Centers will remain closed till further notice. The next application date will be informed through message and passports are requested to be collected on the next working day.”
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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.
Protests led mainly by students began in June over a controversial job quota system that provided 30 per cent 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 demonstrations sparked a massive movement against Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, demanding the 76-year-old leader’s resignation.
The new government will take oath today
The unrest continues with hundreds of homes and businesses of Hindus and temples vandalised and looted even after Sheikh Hasina resigned and left Bangladesh with her sister for India on Monday. On Thursday, the army-backed interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is set to be sworn in amid violent protests. Yunus was chosen by students as the chief adviser to lead the interim government. Meanwhile, the Indian government is working on ensuring asylum for Sheikh Hasina in a European country.
