By Sheikh Arif (Dhaka Bureau)
Ending a long wait of nearly two years, Indian tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals are finally set to resume on June 28. Initially, these visas will be issued from five major centers across the country, including the capital city, Dhaka.
The official announcement was made by the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, during a press conference on Thursday (June 25). The briefing took place following his visit to the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) at the capital’s Jamuna Future Park, shortly after he presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Visa Services at 5 Selected Centers in the First Phase
The High Commissioner stated that while it is not yet possible to reopen all centers across the country, tourist visas will be issued from five primary locations in the initial phase:
* Dhaka
* Chittagong
* Khulna
* Sylhet
* Rajshahi
He also assured that, alongside tourist visas, medical and other emergency visa categories will continue to be processed without disruption.
Background and Transitional Challenges
Following the fall of the Hasina government on August 5, 2024, significant unrest led to attacks on five Indian Visa Application Centers across the country, including the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi. Due to rising security concerns, staff shortages, and administrative complexities, India was forced to severely restrict its operations, leading to a complete suspension of tourist visas.
Although Bangladesh reinstated suspended visa facilities for Indian nationals during the first week of the new administration taking office, uncertainty loomed over when India would normalize visa processing for Bangladeshis. After overcoming prolonged diplomatic and administrative hurdles, the service is finally being restored. A press release from the Indian High Commission noted that despite the restrictions, India had been prioritizing emergency cases, issuing over 1,500 non-tourist visas daily for medical and urgent needs.
‘Shared Skies, Shared Air, and Shared Challenges’
Dinesh Trivedi arrived in Dhaka on June 12 via the Benapole land port. This marks his first formal press conference since assuming office. Expressing strong optimism about guiding bilateral relations to new heights, he remarked:
‘We do not just share a border; we share a common dream. Our skies are the same, our air is the same, and our challenges are often identical. Therefore, there is no room for us to lose our way. Every problem can be resolved through love and mutual sincerity.’
Highlighting his core focus as High Commissioner, Trivedi added, ‘My sole priority is the relationship between the people of Bangladesh and India. We are all brothers and sisters. With mutual sincerity, we can overcome any crisis.’
The resumption of tourist visas after a long hiatus is highly anticipated to rejuvenate people-to-people connectivity, tourism, and trade between the two neighboring nations.
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The Writer:
