21 Bangladeshi students stranded due to Indian visa denial

Each year, numerous Bangladeshi students travel to India to study in government and private universities across states like West Bengal. They come to pursue diverse fields of study, including medical, engineering, paramedical, fashion, and law. Some of the prominent universities that admit these students are Aliah University, Kazi Nazrul University, and Rabindra Bharati University. Although many students apply, this year, 21 students from Bangladesh were enrolled at Aliah University. Among them, 16 students were registered for undergraduate general and engineering courses, while 5 were set to join postgraduate general and engineering programs.

Despite their eagerness to enroll, these 21 students have been unable to travel to India due to visa issues. The deadline for foreign student enrollment at Aliah University was initially October 28, but it has been extended to November 22 to accommodate those facing visa delays. The Bangladeshi students listed for admission include Abdul Rahman for an undergraduate degree in Arabic, Sneha Mahaldar in Bengali, Sagira Tabassum Zeba and Sheikh Tausiful Alam in English, Masum Billah Shifat in Microbiology, and Muhammad Faizal Ahmed for a Certificate of Diploma Associate (CDA). Muhammad Maruf Hasan and Aritro Saha were set to pursue a five-year integrated MBA, while Muhammad Rakibul Hasan was to study BSc in Mathematics. For BTech in Computer Science, Muhammad Shahid, Shahid Bin Abida RP, and Muhammad Alif were enrolled; in Electrical Engineering, Muhammad Anan Tanzum, Muhammad Waliur Rahman, and Al Amin Hossain; in Mechanical Engineering, Muhammad Shabdar Kabir; in Civil Engineering, Jaber Hasan and Trideep Krishna Maitra Tamal; and in Electronics and Communication, Muhammad Maruf Khan Rohan. Additionally, Towfiqul Islam and Noor-e-Jannat had been admitted to Islamic Theology.

According to university sources, several students have received their offer letters and even enrolled. However, they remain disappointed as repeated attempts to obtain visas have been denied. Aliah University’s admissions chair, Kazi Alfred, stated, “Four students have been admitted, but the others are still struggling to get visas. The enrollment deadline has been extended to November 22. A collaborative effort by the governments of Bangladesh and India could help facilitate the student visas for those eager to join.”

Meanwhile, students from universities like Kazi Nazrul and others are also struggling. Despite being part of the 2023-24 academic session, some students’ visas have expired, making it challenging to return to India for their studies and exams. Many report that emails to the Indian High Commission have yielded no response, leaving them frustrated. They appeal for a simplification of the visa policy to allow them to continue their education without further obstacles.