New Delhi: Tensions between India and Bangladesh are escalating. Amidst attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, the Yunus government there is trying to confront India. Perhaps this is why Bangladesh suspended consular and visa services at its High Commission in Delhi on Monday due to 'unavoidable circumstances'.
Meanwhile, India, ignoring Bangladesh's actions, has increased its focus on 'humanitarian needs'. The Indian government has reopened its visa centers for medical visa applicants. This happened even as Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh faced security threats. India is currently handling the entire matter with patience and restraint. But Bangladesh's actions are provocative.
'Bangladesh Spreading False Propaganda'
This move by Bangladesh came a day after it claimed that protests near its High Commission in Delhi had made the 'High Commissioner and his family feel threatened'. India has strongly condemned this attempt by Bangladesh. India said that Bangladesh is trying to create a false link between the attacks on Indian establishments in its country and the protests outside the Bangladeshi mission in Delhi. The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry dismissed this allegation as 'misleading propaganda'.
Stones Thrown at Indian Officials' Homes
The Indian visa center in Chittagong remains closed. On Thursday, a mob threw stones at the home of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner there. The protesters, despite the presence of Bangladeshi security personnel, came very close to the diplomatic facility. On the same day, visa services were also suspended in Khulna and Rajshahi due to large-scale 'anti-India' protests. India's Focus on Humanitarian Needs
A senior Indian visa application center official in Dhaka said, "Keeping in mind humanitarian needs and despite the evolving security situation, the Indian High Commission will continue to operate visa centers in Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi." Although the visa center at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was closed on Wednesday after protesters gathered there, it reopened the following day.
Bangladesh Remains Adamant, India Shows Generosity
The Bangladesh High Commission has issued a notice stating that all consular and visa services at the High Commission in New Delhi have been temporarily suspended due to some unavoidable reasons. No information has been provided regarding how long these services will remain suspended. Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma visited the IVAC Dhaka on Monday. He reviewed the functioning of the visa services there and also spoke to people applying for visas. Many people were applying for medical visas.
