India on Wednesday temporarily closed its Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka citing heightened security concerns, amid threats by extremist elements and escalating diplomatic tensions with Bangladesh.
The IVAC located at Jamuna Future Park, Dhaka’s main hub for Indian visa services, suspended operations from 2 pm onwards. In a statement, the centre said all applicants with appointments scheduled for the day would be rescheduled to a later date due to the prevailing security situation.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, and conveyed New Delhi’s serious concerns over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. According to the MEA, the envoy was informed about threats posed by extremist elements who have reportedly announced plans to create unrest around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.
“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety and security of all diplomatic Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in line with its international obligations,” the MEA said in an official statement, adding that India had expressed strong concern over potential risks to the Indian High Commission.
The MEA also rejected what it described as a “false narrative” being circulated by extremist groups regarding recent developments in Bangladesh. It said the interim government had not conducted a thorough investigation or shared substantive evidence with India on certain incidents, though it did not provide further details.
The diplomatic exchange followed provocative remarks made earlier this week by Bangladeshi political leader Hasnat Abdullah of the National Citizen Party (NCP). At a public rally, Abdullah warned that if Bangladesh were destabilised, it would seek to isolate India’s northeastern states—collectively known as the Seven Sisters—and offer refuge to separatist groups. His comments drew strong reactions in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has also summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, seeking cooperation in an ongoing legal case and reiterating its demand for the swift extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina was sentenced to death last month for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s unrest in Bangladesh, which reportedly resulted in more than 500 deaths.
The developments underline rising tensions between the two neighbours at a time of political uncertainty in Bangladesh, with security and diplomatic issues now impacting consular services.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
