Synopsis
The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala has resumed visa and consular services for Indians after a two-month suspension due to security concerns. Officials confirmed the services resumed on February 5, following a breach of security at the office. Enhanced security measures have been implemented to ensure safety.Key Takeaways
- Resumption of visa services in Agartala
- Suspension lasted two months
- Security breach prompted the halt
- Increased border crossing challenges for Indians
- Enhanced security measures in place
Agartala, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission (AHC) office in Agartala has recommenced all visa and consular services for Indian citizens after a two-month hiatus, as confirmed by officials.
The diplomatic mission had halted these services indefinitely following a security breach at the AHC office on December 3 of the previous year.
According to a notice from the AHC's acting head, First Secretary Mohammad Al Amin, all visa and consular services are back in operation effective Wednesday (February 5).
“This announcement is intended for all those seeking visa and consular services,” the notice stated.
Previously, on December 3, Al Amin had indicated that due to the prevailing security concerns, all services at the Bangladesh AHC in Agartala would be suspended until further notice.
While the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and the AHC in Guwahati continued their visa and consular services for Indians, the suspension in Agartala significantly curtailed the number of Indian visitors crossing into Bangladesh through the Tripura border.
In addition to the Agartala-Akhaura integrated check post, there are four other active check posts along the India-Bangladesh border with Tripura, facilitating cross-border movement of Indians and Bangladeshis with valid passports and visas.
Following the outbreak of unrest in Bangladesh in July, particularly after the fall of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, there has been a marked decrease in Indian visitors to Bangladesh.
As reported by Tripura Police, during the protests, a delegation from the 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' met AHC officials on December 2 last year, presenting a memorandum urging the Bangladeshi caretaker government to cease violence against the Hindu community and safeguard their lives and properties.
During this period, some activists unlawfully entered the AHC compound and reportedly desecrated the Bangladeshi national flag, prompting immediate police intervention.
Following the incident, seven individuals were detained in connection with the security breach at the Bangladesh AHC office.
In response to the December 2, 2024 incident, a significant increase in security personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and Tripura police, has been instituted around the Bangladesh AHC office.
Senior Tripura Police officials are actively monitoring the security arrangements at the Bangladesh AHC office.
Additionally, West Tripura District Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar K. has suspended three Sub-Inspectors while withdrawing an Assistant Commandant (a DSP rank officer) from duty due to their lapses during the December 2 protests concerning the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.
