Dhaka/New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) The Indian Assistant High Commissioner to Bangladesh in Rajshahi, Manoj Kumar said that India has issued more visas to Bangladeshi nationals compared to other countries, and is working to resolve the complexities related to visa issuance.
Kumar also said that bilateral ties between the two countries will strengthen in the future, with the current relationship reflecting the aspirations of the people of both nations.
Adding that there exists a strong commercial bond between the two countries, he said: “However, I would like to request that with your cooperation, the existing bilateral ties can be further strengthened in the days ahead,” Dhaka Tribune reported.
He made the remarks during a discussion at the Hili Land Port conference room with Clearing and Forwarding agents, import-export traders and customs officials today.
He said: “So far, we have issued more visas to Bangladeshi nationals compared to other countries. Nonetheless, we are working to resolve the complexities related to visa issuance. Additionally, there are certain internal issues, including staff shortages, which we are striving to overcome to streamline the visa process.”
Earlier at noon today, the Indian official arrived at the Hili border check-post gate, where he exchanged greetings with the on-duty members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) before entering Indian territory.
There, Kumar attended a one-hour meeting inside the Hili customs area with Indian customs officials and local business representatives, before attending a meeting at the check post with BSF officials.
Upon his return from India, he entered the Hili Land Port on the Bangladesh side, where he was welcomed with flowers by port and customs authorities.
Afterwards, he participated in a meeting at the port conference room with traders and customs officials to discuss measures for enhancing the efficiency of import and export operations at the land port.
Kumar’s remarks about bilateral ties between New Delhi and Dhaka come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official in-person meeting with Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus at the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand.
The two had discussed a wide array of issues including border killings, trade, ex-PM Sheikh Hasina’s extradition etc.
Since the army backed Yunus regime came into power, the ties between the two nations have witnessed a downslide, with socio-political as well as economic ties having degraded due to the violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, the anti-India rhetoric from several advisors in Yunus’ cabinet, and the rise of Islamic extremism.
