Hundreds of people staged protests outside the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, causing significant disruption to the center’s operations. The protesters, who were initially there to collect their passports, became agitated after being informed that their visa processing would be delayed. The protest not only impacted the Indian visa services but also affected visa processing for other countries.
India Requests Increased Security From Bangladesh
India has since requested increased security from Bangladesh, and the matter has been raised with the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An official from the visa center explained the situation, noting that the staff was already working with limited resources and that some local staff members had not yet returned to work. “It’s not violent, but there was a crowd today as many rushed to collect their passports,” the official told ‘The Times of India’.
Staff At Visa Center Threatened
Although there was no physical violence or vandalism, the staff at the visa center felt threatened and panicked, making it difficult for them to continue providing services. The police quickly responded to the situation and managed to bring the crowd under control.
50 Injured In Clash Between Students And Personnel
Videos of the protest circulated widely on social media, showing the protesters chanting anti-India slogans such as “Indian collaborators beware… One point, one demand — we want a visa.” The incident occurred shortly after a clash between students and paramilitary personnel on August 25, where around 50 people were injured. Both police and army forces were needed to restore order during those protests, according to Bangladeshi media reports.
Indian High Commissioner To Bangladesh Expresses Concerns
This recent demonstration has added to the ongoing concerns regarding the safety of Indian establishments in Bangladesh. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, had already expressed concerns about the security of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and other Indian facilities in the country.
No Plans To Withdraw Embassy Staff
Despite the tensions, there are currently no plans to withdraw more embassy staff from Bangladesh. The Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka has been operating with reduced capacity, and applicants have been informed that their visa processing may take longer than usual. The center has begun returning passports and will notify applicants via SMS when they can resubmit their passports for processing.
India’s Visa Operation In Bangladesh Largest In The World
India’s visa operations in Bangladesh are the largest in the world, with approximately 1.6 million people visiting India from Bangladesh last year. Of these, 60% were for tourism, 30% for medical purposes, and 10% for other reasons. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of its diplomatic and visa processing staff.