The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has said that a decision will be taken to fully resume operations at all Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Bangladesh after the security situation improves.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma visited the IVAC at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka on Monday, where he observed the visa application process and listened to applicants’ experiences.
According to the High Commission, although the Indian visa centre in Dhaka was closed for one day last week due to security concerns, operations resumed once the situation became relatively stable. Applicants who had appointments on the day of closure were given priority and offered alternative dates to submit their applications.
The High Commission also said that, despite the ongoing security situation, it is making efforts to continue emergency and humanitarian visa services, including medical visas. As a result, IVACs in Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi remain operational in addition to Dhaka. However, the IVAC in Chattogram has been temporarily closed.
The decision to suspend operations in Chattogram was taken following serious security concerns arising from an attack and stone-throwing at the entrance of the Assistant High Commission on the night of 18–19 December.
During the visit, IVAC officials informed the High Commissioner that a large number of forged documents are being submitted and that brokers and intermediaries are attempting to hack the system to create artificial pressure. This has resulted in genuine applicants being deprived of legitimate appointments.
High Commissioner Pranay Verma assured that these issues would be raised with the relevant Bangladeshi authorities. He also advised applicants to follow proper legal procedures and to avoid brokers and middlemen.
The High Commission stated that the security situation is being closely monitored and that a decision to fully resume operations at all visa centres will be taken as conditions improve.