India suspends Dhaka visa centre amid security threat; summons Bangladesh envoy over rising tensions
PTC Web Desk: India has temporarily suspended operations at its principal visa application centre in Dhaka on Wednesday, citing escalating security risks and unrest in the Bangladeshi capital. The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park, which handles the bulk of Indian visa applications in Dhaka, closed at 2 pm. Officials said the move was necessary due to the “current security situation.” Applicants with appointments scheduled for Wednesday were informed that their applications would be processed at later dates.
The closure comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours. Earlier in the day, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, in New Delhi to express serious concern over threats posed by extremist groups and provocative statements targeting Indian interests. The MEA reportedly pointed out plans by certain elements to disrupt security around Indian missions in Dhaka.
New Delhi emphasised that the interim government in Bangladesh must fulfill its diplomatic responsibility to safeguard foreign missions and personnel. India also dismissed what it described as “misleading narratives” being circulated by some political actors regarding recent events in Bangladesh.
The development occurs against the backdrop of political turbulence in Bangladesh as the country prepares for national elections early next year. Prolonged unrest in recent months has strained both internal stability and bilateral relations. Separately, Bangladesh has requested India’s cooperation in ongoing legal matters and reiterated its demand for the extradition of its former prime minister, currently living in exile.
- With inputs from agencies
