Assistant High Commissioner of India in Rajshahi, Sri Manoj Kumar, has said that arrangements will be made to introduce tourist visas for Bangladeshi travelers soon.
The Assistant High Commissioner made the statement while responding to queries from journalists during a discussion meeting held in Pabna on Saturday afternoon. Earlier that day, he visited the Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra Satsang Ashram in Himaitpur.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the assistant high commissioner urged applicants to avoid paying any additional fees for Indian visas.
“Do not give anyone extra money for a visa beyond the government-prescribed fee. You should fill out the forms yourselves and deposit the money yourselves,” he advised.
All categories of Indian visas were suspended following the change in the country’s political landscape on 5 August 2024, citing security concerns. While several visa categories were subsequently reopened, the tourist visa has remained suspended. Manoj Kumar confirmed that measures are now being taken to resume this service soon.
The discussion meeting was chaired by Shri Pranshankar Das, President of the Sri Sri Thakur Anukul Chandra Satsang Central Committee, and moderated by Organising Secretary Dr Naresh Chandra Madhu. Sri Tapas Chandra Barman, the General Secretary, delivered the welcome address.
Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Member of Parliament for Pabna-5, attended the event as a special guest. Other notable attendees included Pabna Press Club President Akhteruzzaman Akhter, Secretary Zohurul Islam, and former Secretary Akhinur Islam Remon. Satsang Central Committee Vice-Presidents Shri Bikash Chandra, Shri Hiranmay Ghosh, Shri Sudeb Kumar, Shri Balai Chandra Saha, and Shri Chittaranjan Das were also present, alongside local political leaders, journalists, and ashram devotees.
Following the meeting, the Assistant High Commissioner toured the various premises of the Ashram with Satsang leaders. He later visited the Kalachandpara Sri Sri Mahadev Mandir (Shib Bari) in Pabna town, where he was formally welcomed by the temple committee President, Sudarshan Talukdar.
