The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has rejected 20,000 visa applications from Bangladeshis and returned passports. This decision follows widespread protests and threats directed at the high commission, according to Times of India.
The visa services for Bangladeshi citizens have been suspended indefinitely, leaving many applicants in limbo. Randhir Jaiswal, the ministry’s spokesperson, said that visas are currently being issued for medical and emergency reasons only. Full visa services will resume once the situation in Bangladesh normalises.
With Indian visa application centres in Bangladesh largely shut since protests led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government last month, the passports of many applicants remained with the High Commission in Dhaka.
Agitated applicants shot off several emails to the High Commission, one even threatening vandalism. At the same time, staff were heckled at Indian visa application centres, which also saw protests on more than one occasion.
Reports suggest that staff at these centres faced harassment, and social media platforms became venues for public discontent, with individuals tagging the high commission in their complaints.
With Durga Puja approaching, concerns are mounting as there has been a noticeable increase in visa applications, particularly from those wishing to travel to West Bengal for the festival.
