The Bangladesh High Commission on Monday announced the temporary suspension of all consular and visa services until further notice, citing unavoidable circumstances.
In a notice issued on Monday, the High Commission said that all consular and visa-related services have been halted with immediate effect and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused.
The development comes in the wake of India suspending visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong following a recent security incident.
According to a statement issued by IVAC, Indian visa operations at the Chittagong centre have remained suspended since December 21, pending further notice, after a security incident near the premises of the Assistant High Commission of India.
The suspension follows reports of unrest and security concerns in the vicinity of the diplomatic mission last week. IVAC officials said that services would resume only after a detailed assessment of the local security environment.
Meanwhile, India on Sunday rejected what it described as misleading propaganda in sections of the Bangladeshi media regarding a brief protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
The protest was held against the killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh, which has sparked international concern over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
Responding to a media query, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that around 20–25 people gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission on December 20 and raised slogans demanding justice for Dipu Chandra Das and protection for minorities in Bangladesh.
He clarified that there was no attempt to breach security at the mission and that the gathering was dispersed peacefully by police within minutes. He added that visual evidence of the incident was publicly available and reiterated that India remains committed to ensuring the safety of all foreign missions in accordance with the Vienna Convention.
The spokesperson further said that India continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in Bangladesh and remains in contact with Bangladeshi authorities. He added that New Delhi has conveyed its strong concerns over attacks on minorities and urged that those responsible for the killing be brought to justice.
Dipu Chandra Das was allegedly beaten to death by a mob over accusations of blasphemy on December 18, after which his body was set on fire. The incident triggered widespread outrage and condemnation.
Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested seven suspects in connection with the case, while local police have taken three others into custody.
— ANI
