All Indian visa application centres in Bangladesh have been closed indefinitely following severe political unrest in the country. The unrest led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India. A message on the online portal for Indian visa applications now reads, “All IVACs will remain closed till further notice, due to unstable situation. Next application date will be informed through SMS & It is requested to pick up the passport on the next working day.”
The closure follows the evacuation of non-essential staff and their families from India’s High Commission and consulates in Bangladesh amid the volatile situation. Indian diplomats remain in the country, and the missions continue to function, according to government sources. India maintains a high commission in Dhaka and consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.
Massive protests against the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government have forced the 76-year-old leader to step down and flee. An interim government, backed by the Army and led by Nobel Peace Prize winner and Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus, is in the process of being formed.
Addressing Parliament on the situation in the neighboring country, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that nearly 19,000 Indian nationals are in Bangladesh, including 9,000 students. Many students have returned to India following the outbreak of protests. The Indian government is in close contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh and is monitoring the situation regarding minorities living there.
The situation remains tense as the interim government seeks to stabilize the country. Meanwhile, Indian nationals are advised to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution.
