Indian Visa Centres in Bangladesh Shut Amid Political Turmoil

India has closed all its visa application centres in Bangladesh due to the ongoing instability in the country. A notice on the visa application portal states that the centres will remain shut “until further notice” due to the unstable situation, and applicants are advised to check for updates via SMS regarding new application dates and passport pickups.

The closure comes as India has tightened security measures along its borders and reduced staffing at its High Commission in Dhaka. On Wednesday, India evacuated non-essential personnel and their families from its diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, though essential services continue.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the situation in Parliament, revealing that India is in constant contact with its community in Bangladesh and is monitoring the situation closely. Jaishankar expressed concerns over the safety of religious minorities amidst reports of targeted violence and vandalism.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has heightened vigilance along the Bangladesh border to thwart any potential infiltration. On Wednesday, the BSF detained several individuals trying to enter India illegally. Additionally, Odisha has increased surveillance along its lengthy coastline to prevent illegal immigration.

Jaishankar also reported that nearly 19,000 Indian nationals, including about 9,000 students, remain in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, over a thousand students from India, Nepal, and Bhutan have crossed into India following the closure of universities due to violent protests over quota systems.