Dhaka [Bangladesh], December 19 (HBTV): India has shut down visa application centres in Khulna and Rajshahi in Bangladesh following anti-India protests, an official of the High Commission of India in Dhaka said on Thursday.
The official said protests were reported in both Khulna and Rajshahi, adding that visa centres are closed whenever the security situation deteriorates. He stated that the visa application centre in Dhaka has resumed operations.
In Rajshahi, an anti-Indian hegemony platform named ‘July 36 Mancha’ organised a march towards the Indian Assistant High Commission. The procession began around 12:30 pm local time from Bhadra Mor and moved towards the mission office but was halted midway due to police intervention. As per prior announcements, police erected barricades around 100 metres before the Assistant High Commission, preventing the march from proceeding further. Protesters subsequently staged a sit-in near the barricades and sought permission to move ahead. Similar protests were also called in Khulna.
Earlier on Wednesday, Bangladesh Police stopped a group of protesters marching towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, demanding the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others who fled during and after last year’s July uprising, according to The Daily Star. The protest followed threats against Indian diplomats, prompting India to summon Bangladesh’s envoy.
The Ministry of External Affairs said it expects Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety and security of Indian Missions and Posts in line with diplomatic obligations. India conveyed strong concerns over activities of extremist elements and reiterated its commitment to peace, stability and democratic processes in Bangladesh.
(ANI)