India on Wednesday temporarily closed the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) located in Dhaka due to security concerns. This decision was taken in view of threats from extremist elements and inflammatory comments of Bangladeshi leaders.
What did IVAC say in the statement issued?
Located in Dhaka’s Jamuna Future Park, this center is the main integrated center for Indian visa services in the capital. IVAC issued a statement saying the center had suspended operations as of 2 p.m. and appointments scheduled for Wednesday would be rescheduled to new dates.
Earlier, the New Delhi-based Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riyaz Hamidullah. Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in Dhaka, the Ministry informed the Ambassador that some extremist elements have planned to create insecurity around the Indian Mission and Embassy in Dhaka. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that India expects the interim government to ensure the security of missions and embassies in Bangladesh in line with its diplomatic obligations.
The Foreign Ministry also said that extremist elements are spreading false news regarding some recent incidents in Bangladesh. The ministry noted that the interim government has neither thoroughly investigated these incidents nor shared any concrete evidence with India. However, the ministry did not give any further details in this regard.
Hasnat Abdullah’s provocative threat
This incident also has a political perspective. Hasnat Abdullah, a political leader of Bangladesh, had issued a provocative threat against India on Monday. He warned that if instability arose in Bangladesh, his country would try to isolate India’s northeastern states, known as the Seven Sisters, and harbor separatists. At the rally he said that if there is instability in Bangladesh then the fire of resistance will spread across the borders.
After these incidents, India took the step of closing the IVAC, giving priority to the safety of its mission and civilians in Dhaka. This decision is considered necessary from the security point of view, so that Indian citizens and embassy staff can be protected from any unexpected danger.
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