In a significant move prompted by security considerations, India has announced the temporary closure of its visa application centre located in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka. The centre, operated by outsourcing partner BLS International, halted all operations starting Thursday, July 25.
Immediate Closure and Official Statement
The decision was communicated through an official notice posted by BLS International on its website. The notice explicitly cited the "prevailing security situation in Bangladesh" as the primary reason for the temporary suspension of services at the centre situated in the capital's Gulshan area. While the notice did not elaborate on specific threats, it confirmed that the closure is effective immediately.
This action directly impacts Bangladeshi nationals and other applicants who relied on this specific facility for submitting their applications for various Indian visas. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has been closely monitoring the situation.
Redirecting Applicants to Alternative Centres
To mitigate inconvenience for applicants, the authorities have outlined alternative arrangements. Individuals who were scheduled to submit applications or collect passports are being directed to other operational visa application centres run by BLS International within Bangladesh.
Applicants can now avail services at centres located in other major cities. This includes the centres in Chattogram and Sylhet. The notice assured that all applications already processed will be returned to applicants via the courier service provided during the submission.
Context and Regional Implications
The closure comes amidst a period of notable political and social unrest within Bangladesh. The country has witnessed widespread student-led protests in recent weeks, primarily demanding reforms in the government job quota system. These protests have, at times, turned violent, leading to disruptions and raising security concerns.
While the Indian notice did not directly link the closure to the ongoing protests, the reference to the "security situation" is widely interpreted within this context. Diplomatic missions often reassess their operational security, especially for public-facing offices like visa centres, during periods of civil unrest to ensure the safety of staff and applicants.
The move underscores the Indian government's proactive approach to safeguarding its diplomatic and operational assets abroad. It also highlights the close attention paid to developments in Bangladesh, a key neighbour with which India shares deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties. The step is seen as a precautionary measure rather than a diplomatic signal, with services expected to resume once the security environment is deemed stable.
For now, applicants are advised to stay updated through the official BLS International website for Bangladesh and the Indian High Commission's channels for any further announcements regarding the resumption of services at the Gulshan, Dhaka centre.
