Visa services at Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi temporarily suspended
The suspension will remain in effect until further notice
Highlights:
- The High Commission cites 'unavoidable circumstances' for the suspension
- The suspension follows a protest by 20–25 extremists who reportedly threatened the high commissioner.
- Notice posted at the High Commission announcing the suspension
- Assam on high alert, says CM Himanta
The Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi has temporarily suspended all consular services, including visa issuance, citing unavoidable circumstances.
The suspension will remain in effect until further notice, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed today (22 December).
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A notice posted on the wall of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi states that "due to unavoidable circumstances, all consular services and visa issuance at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi are temporarily suspended until further notice."
The move follows a protest on Saturday night by 20-25 members of the extremist group Akhand Hindu Rashtra Sena in front of the High Commission. The protesters stayed for around 20 minutes, chanting slogans against Bangladesh and reportedly threatening Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah.
Assam on high alert, says CM Himanta
The north eastern Indian state of Assam has been on "high alert" in the wake of the fresh wave of unrest in Bangladesh, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said today.
Sarma told reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Guwahati that the Assam government was closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh.
He said, "We have to be vigilant and must keep a sharp eye on the developments in that country.''
Meanwhile, prohibitory orders are in force along the border with Bangladesh in Assam's Cachar district to prevent illegal movement and potential law and order threats, officials said.
Yesterday, the Indian visa application centre in Chattogram also halted its operations until further notice, citing security concerns at the Indian Assistant High Commission in the city.
Responding to questions from journalists yesterday, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said the Bangladesh mission is located in a highly secure area within the diplomatic enclave of Delhi, making such an incident unexpected.
However, he added that following the protest, the High Commissioner's family has been feeling threatened and at risk, prompting heightened security measures.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement yesterday, said "about 20–25 youths gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on 20 December and chanted slogans in protest against the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh."
The statement clarified that there was no attempt to breach the High Commission's security or create a dangerous situation. Delhi Police, stationed at the Bangladesh High Commission, quickly dispersed the group within a few minutes.
