India Resumes Ops at Dhaka Visa Centre after Closure amid Protests
In a significant development, the Indian visa centre in Dhaka resumed operations on Thursday, a day after it was temporarily shut due to security concerns. The closure of the visa centre was a result of anti-India protests that erupted in the Bangladeshi capital, with demonstrators marching towards the Indian High Commission. The protests were sparked by a radical remark made by a Bangladeshi leader, Hasnat Abdullah, against India, which prompted the Indian government to summon the Bangladesh High Commissioner on Wednesday in protest.
The Indian visa centre in Dhaka is a crucial facility that caters to the visa requirements of Bangladeshi citizens who wish to travel to India. The centre is responsible for processing visa applications, conducting interviews, and issuing visas to eligible applicants. However, due to the tense situation that arose on Wednesday, the centre was forced to shut down temporarily as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its staff and applicants.
The protests in Dhaka were reportedly organized by a group of Bangladeshi activists who were agitated by the remarks made by Hasnat Abdullah. The protesters marched towards the Indian High Commission, chanting slogans and waving banners that condemned India and its government. The situation was brought under control by the Bangladeshi police, who deployed security personnel to maintain law and order in the area.
The Indian government took strong exception to the remarks made by Hasnat Abdullah, which were deemed to be unacceptable and provocative. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner on Wednesday to register its protest and express its concern over the incident. The MEA also lodged a formal complaint with the Bangladeshi government, seeking an explanation for the remarks made by the Bangladeshi leader.
The resumption of operations at the Indian visa centre in Dhaka is a welcome development, as it will facilitate the travel plans of Bangladeshi citizens who wish to visit India. The centre is expected to function normally, with applicants being processed and visas being issued as per the standard procedures. However, the Indian government will likely maintain a close watch on the situation in Dhaka, given the sensitive nature of the incident and the potential for further protests.
The incident has highlighted the importance of maintaining good relations between India and Bangladesh, which share a long and complex history. The two countries have made significant progress in recent years in strengthening their bilateral ties, with cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and culture. However, incidents such as the one that occurred on Wednesday can potentially disrupt the momentum of this progress and create tensions between the two nations.
In recent years, India and Bangladesh have worked closely to enhance their economic ties, with India being one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners. The two countries have also cooperated on security issues, including counter-terrorism and border management. However, there are still several areas of concern that need to be addressed, including the issue of illegal migration and the sharing of water resources.
The Indian government has consistently maintained that it values its relationship with Bangladesh and is committed to strengthening their bilateral ties. The government has taken several initiatives to promote people-to-people contacts, including the introduction of a visa-free regime for Bangladeshi citizens under the age of 18 and over the age of 65. The government has also increased the number of scholarships available to Bangladeshi students who wish to pursue higher education in India.
In conclusion, the resumption of operations at the Indian visa centre in Dhaka is a positive development that will facilitate the travel plans of Bangladeshi citizens who wish to visit India. The incident that led to the closure of the centre was a result of a radical remark made by a Bangladeshi leader, which prompted the Indian government to summon the Bangladesh High Commissioner in protest. The Indian government will likely maintain a close watch on the situation in Dhaka, given the sensitive nature of the incident and the potential for further protests. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining good relations between India and Bangladesh, which share a long and complex history.
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