Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, a fierce protest was seen at the Indian Visa Application Center in Dhaka on Monday. In fact, hundreds of Bangladeshi citizens got angry and created a ruckus outside the Indian Visa Application Center after the authorities allegedly delayed their requests for visa.
Several videos of the protest have gone viral on social media in which angry visa applicants can be seen raising slogans against the delay in getting visas and alleged harassment. The protesters have claimed that they have not received their visas even after waiting for months. Sources told India Today TV that the chaos has not only affected the operations of the Indian Visa Centre (IVAC) but has also impacted the visa process for other countries.
Operations resumed this month
Bangladeshi citizens often prefer to visit India mainly for medical and educational purposes. India’s healthcare system provides specialized treatments, surgeries and healthcare at a relatively affordable cost compared to other countries. India is also a preferred destination for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education.
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Let us tell you that the Dhaka-based India Visa Application Center resumed “limited operations” earlier this month. The visa operation center was affected when the Awami League government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in the neighboring country and due to this there were large-scale violent clashes, due to which the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power.
In a press release on August 13, IVAC said, “IVAC Dhaka has resumed limited operations. Messages will be sent to individual applicants regarding collection of passports.” It requested visa applicants to come to the centre only after receiving a text message to collect their passports.
Violence took place on 25 August
Meanwhile, fresh violence was reported in Dhaka on August 25, when clashes broke out between students and hundreds of paramilitary personnel who were demanding job regularisation. According to the Daily Star, ‘At least 50 people were injured. During the confrontation, the two groups clashed violently, hurled bricks at each other and fled in a chaotic manner. The situation deteriorated so much that police and army personnel had to be deployed to restore order.’
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