The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka has resumed limited operations on Tuesday, a move that comes amid a period of political upheaval in Bangladesh. The country witnessed violent clashes that led to the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India last week following widespread protests against her Awami League-led government. The protests were sparked by a controversial job quota system.
The IVAC announced the resumption of limited operations in a press release, stating that messages would be sent to individual applicants regarding passport collection. Applicants are requested to arrive at the centre only after receiving a text message. The centre acknowledges that the process may take longer due to limited operations, asking for understanding from applicants.
The reopening of the IVAC follows its closure last week due to the unstable situation in Bangladesh, which was triggered by the fall of the Hasina government. The closure was announced by the IVAC due to the volatile situation, as reported by the Somoy TV news channel.
The situation in Bangladesh continues to stabilize, with various services resuming. The National Emergency Hotline Service has been restored as of Tuesday, according to the Dhaka Tribune newspaper. Police officers have returned to police stations, traffic police personnel have resumed duties, and primary schools have reopened after a month of closure, according to the bdnews24.com news portal.
The violence that erupted following the fall of the Hasina government on August 5 has resulted in over 230 deaths, bringing the total death toll since the anti-quota protests began in mid-July to 560.
An interim government has been formed under the leadership of 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus has announced the portfolios of his 16-member council of advisors.
The extended stay of deposed Prime Minister Hasina in India has not been seen as a threat to bilateral relations, according to Md Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government. Hossain emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is not influenced by the presence of one individual in a country. He stated that both India and Bangladesh have their own interests and that they will continue to strive for good relations.
Last week, India’s External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed hope for the swift restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. He also confirmed that India is in communication with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian missions, personnel working in those missions, and Indians residing in the country.
