Protests against India escalated across Bangladesh on Thursday, with demonstrators marching towards Indian diplomatic missions and forcing a suspension of key consular services. The unrest, driven by demands for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has prompted significant security reinforcements and operational reviews at multiple Indian visa centers.
Missions Targeted, Services Disrupted
Hundreds of protesters, chanting slogans, marched towards the Indian assistant high commissions in the cities of Khulna and Rajshahi. The demonstrations led to the closure of visa services till further orders at both missions. This follows large-scale protests a day earlier, on Wednesday, where groups under the banner of "July Oikya" marched towards the Indian High Commission in the capital, Dhaka.
The protestors have a clear and time-bound demand: they want India to allow the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Their rhetoric turned threatening, with warnings that if Hasina is not brought back to Bangladesh by December 25, the Indian mission in Khulna would be "destroyed". Although security forces stopped the marchers from reaching the missions, the tense situation has severely impacted diplomatic operations.
Security Tightened, Operations Under Review
In response to the escalating protests, security around the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has been substantially strengthened. Interestingly, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka, which was shut on Wednesday, managed to resume operations on Thursday. However, officials stated that a reassessment of its operations is ongoing based on the "evolving security situation".
The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has attempted to reassure diplomats stationed in Dhaka, asserting that it has taken "all measures to ensure their safety and security". Despite these assurances, the fallout from the protests is widening. Visa services at other centers in Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet are also being reviewed in light of the prevailing unrest, indicating a potential nationwide impact on India's consular services in Bangladesh.
A Deepening Diplomatic Strain
The consecutive days of targeted protests highlight a significant strain in the bilateral space. The core demand of the protestors—the return of Sheikh Hasina—directly implicates India in Bangladesh's complex domestic politics. The suspension of visa services in key cities like Khulna and Rajshahi is a tangible consequence affecting citizens of both nations. As security remains on high alert, the situation remains fluid, with Indian mission operations subject to daily reassessment until stability is restored.
