Bangladesh travel update: All Indian visa centres closed indefinitely amid political unrest

In response to escalating unrest in Bangladesh, all Indian visa application centres (IVACs) across the country will remain closed until further notice. The closure follows a period of intense political instability that led to the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh. The online visa application portal now displays a notice stating, “All IVACs will remain closed till further notice, due to the unstable situation. Next application date will be informed through SMS. It is requested to pick up the passport on the next working day."

This development comes in the wake of India's decision to evacuate non-essential staff and their families from its High Commission in Dhaka and consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. Despite these evacuations, Indian diplomats remain in the country, and the missions continue to operate, according to government sources.

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The political turmoil in Bangladesh reached a critical point with massive protests against the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. The unrest forced the 76-year-old leader to resign and seek refuge in India. In the wake of these events, an interim government backed by the Army is being established, with Nobel Peace Prize winner and Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus set to lead this caretaker administration.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the situation in Parliament, noting that there are approximately 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, including 9,000 students. Many of these students have returned to India. The minister further assured that the Indian government is maintaining close contact with its citizens in Bangladesh and is closely monitoring the situation concerning minorities living in the country.

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President Mohammed Shahabuddin has dissolved Parliament following Hasina's resignation, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Hasina, who had been in office since 2009, is currently in India, having fled Dhaka as the protests intensified.

The closure of Indian visa application centres and the evacuation of non-essential staff reflect the severity of the situation.The ongoing unrest in Bangladesh continues to be a matter of serious concern for both countries, with efforts now focused on stabilising the situation and supporting those affected by the crisis.