India on Wednesday closed the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka amid rising security concerns following threats by extremist elements and provocative remarks by Bangladeshi leaders.
The IVAC at Jamuna Future Park, Dhaka’s main hub for Indian visa services, suspended operations at 2 pm, citing the prevailing security situation. Applicants with appointments scheduled for the day will be rescheduled, the centre said in a statement.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, M Riaz Hamidullah, and conveyed India’s strong concern over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. The MEA highlighted threats by extremist groups planning to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka and urged the interim government to ensure the safety of Indian diplomatic missions in line with its international obligations.
India also rejected what it termed a “false narrative” being spread by extremist elements regarding recent events in Bangladesh, noting that no thorough investigation or substantive evidence had been shared with New Delhi.
The diplomatic move came a day after National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah issued a provocative warning, claiming that if Bangladesh was destabilised, it would attempt to isolate India’s northeastern states and provide shelter to separatists.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, seeking cooperation in an ongoing case and reiterating its demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Last month, Hasina was reportedly sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to unrest last year that left over 500 people dead.
