Victimised students form human chain protesting VFS syndicate

Students, who are wishing to pursue higher education in Japan, have formed a human chain protesting harassment by the VFS Global Bangladesh Pvt. Ltd.

Hundreds of victimised students participated in the human chain program in front of Delta Tower (Delta Life Tower (4th Floor) Plot No. 37, Road No. 90, Madani Avenue, Gulshan, Dhaka) at around 12 noon on Wednesday.

During the program, they carried various placards expressing their frustration with VFS officials. 

The students claimed that, despite receiving offer letters from the Japanese government on February 20, over 800 students have been unable to submit visa applications due to harassment by the VFS syndicate. 

They said that classes in Japan have already begun, with students from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other countries, while they remain stuck. 

The victimised students said, “We have been learning Japanese for a year and have become eligible by the Japanese government and deposited full tuition fees. If we cannot go there, our dreams will be shattered. We will have no choice but to commit suicide.”

The students questioned why they are unable to proceed to Japan despite fulfilling all requirements.

The students participating in the human chain made six demands. These include -

1. Visa should be issued only after receiving the Certificate of Eligibility from the Japanese government.

2. Visa should be issued before classes begin.

3. Visa processing should be completed within one week of application submission.

4. Website appointment slots should be kept open at all times.

5. Embassy should directly handle appointments.

6. VFS harassment and fraudulent practices should be ended.