Bangladesh has temporarily suspended all visa operations in New Delhi and Siliguri. This decision follows two separate security incidents that have introduced fresh tension into the consular relations between the two neighbors.
Why Were Services Suspended in Delhi?
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has halted all consular services. A foreign ministry official pointed to a recent protest outside the mission as the reason. The official stated that after a group of people surrounded the High Commission, Bangladesh expressed security concerns. Consequently, no visas are currently being issued from its diplomatic post in the Indian capital.
What Happened at the Delhi Protest?
The protest in question involved a group of 20-25 individuals. They gathered to demonstrate against the brutal killing of a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The Indian government has addressed this incident directly. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called reports of a security breach “misleading propaganda.” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the protest was brief, posed no breach of security, and was dispersed by police within minutes. India reaffirmed its commitment to protecting foreign missions under the Vienna Convention.
What Triggered the Siliguri Suspension?
In Siliguri, the situation is different. Bangladesh does not have an official mission there. Visa processing was handled by a private agency, VFS. Operations were suspended after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) allegedly vandalized the VFS office and issued threats. The Bangladeshi official cited this vandalism as the reason for halting services in that city.
Is This Linked to Earlier Visa Troubles?
This development comes on the heels of a similar move by India. Recently, India suspended visa operations at its application center in Chittagong, Bangladesh, following a security incident there. The simultaneous suspensions show how both countries have been cautious about the security of their diplomatic and consular personnel.
Where Are Visa Services Still Running?
For applicants in India, alternatives remain available. Visa services are fully operational at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. Services are also continuing as usual in other major cities like Mumbai and in Assam. The suspensions are currently confined to Delhi and Siliguri.
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