Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka Suspends Operations Amid Security Concerns

Closure of Indian Visa Application Centre

On December 17, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, announced the temporary closure of its office due to escalating security issues.

Situated in Jamuna Future Park, this centre serves as the primary hub for all Indian visa-related services in the capital.

"Due to the current security situation, we would like to inform you that IVAC JFP Dhaka will cease operations at 2 PM today," the centre stated.

All applicants who had appointments scheduled for visa submission on that day will have their slots rescheduled for a future date.

Earlier, India summoned the Bangladeshi ambassador, Riaz Hamidullah, expressing serious concerns regarding extremist groups that have threatened to disrupt security around the Indian mission in Dhaka.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a statement rejecting the misleading narratives propagated by these extremist factions concerning recent events in Bangladesh.

"It is regrettable that the interim government has not conducted a comprehensive investigation or provided substantial evidence to India regarding these incidents," the MEA remarked after the meeting with Hamidullah.

While the MEA did not specify the incidents in question, it emphasized the expectation that the interim government would uphold its diplomatic responsibilities to ensure the safety of missions and posts in Bangladesh.

The ambassador was informed of India's grave concerns regarding the worsening security climate in Bangladesh, particularly the activities of extremist groups aiming to create unrest around the Indian Mission.

The MEA reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability in Bangladesh, highlighting the longstanding friendly relations rooted in the liberation struggle and bolstered by various developmental initiatives.

"We advocate for peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently urged for elections that are free, fair, inclusive, and conducted in a peaceful environment," it concluded.