Dhaka, Dec 17: The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Wednesday closed its office in view of the current security situation.
The IVAC at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka is the main, integrated centre for all Indian visa services in the capital.
“In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today,” the IVAC said in a statement.
The IVAC said all applicants with appointment slots scheduled for submission on Wednesday would be rescheduled for a later date.
Earlier in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah and conveyed its strong concern over certain extremist elements announcing plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka.
New Delhi also expressed its serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh and reiterated its call for holding free, fair and credible parliamentary elections. The polls are scheduled for February 12.
Hamidullah was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and was served a demarche or a formal diplomatic note, people familiar with the matter said.
India’s action followed after certain extremist elements announced plans to hold protests around the Indian high commission in Dhaka, they said.
In a statement, the MEA said that India “completely rejects the false narrative” sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh.
“It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents,” it said shortly after summoning Hamidullah.
The MEA said Hamidullah was summoned and apprised of India’s strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh.
“His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka,” it said.
The MEA said India expects the interim government in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its missions and posts in that country in keeping with its diplomatic obligations.
It also noted that New Delhi is in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh.
“India has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives,” it said.
“We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” it added.
Three days back, Bangladesh foreign ministry summoned Indian envoy to Dhaka, Pranay Verma and conveyed its concern over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s “incendiary” statements from Indian soil.
In its reaction, New Delhi asserted that it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of Bangladesh.
Last month, Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death by a special tribunal in Dhaka for “crimes against humanity” over her government’s brutal crackdown on the student-led protests last year.
The Awami League leader has been living in India since she fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year in the face of the protests.
The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power.
India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. (PTI)
