A high-level Indian parliamentary panel has called for progressive restoration of normal visa services for Bangladeshi nationals, warning that continued restrictions may damage public perception and the vital people-to-people ties between the two neighbours.
The Parliamentary standing committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, expressed these concerns in its “Action Taken Report” regarding “Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship,” which was tabled in the Lok Sabha.
The committee said a sharp decline in visa processing volumes following the political upheaval in August 2024 could impede mutual trust necessary for bilateral relations.
In response to the committee’s recommendations, the Indian government disclosed that approximately 1,500 visas are currently being issued daily across five centres in Bangladesh. Medical visas presently constitute about 80 per cent of this total.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said any decision to increase daily issuance or reopen additional visa centres remains under continuous review and will depend on the evolving security situation in coordination with relevant ministries.
To address ongoing issues, the committee suggested the establishment of a “bilateral consular cooperation mechanism.”
This body would periodically review visa policies and address the grievances of legitimate travellers to ensure they do not face unnecessary inconveniences while maintaining essential security protocols.
Regarding the presence of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India, the government assured the panel that she has not been provided with a political platform. India’s position remains that no political activity directed against any other country is permitted from its territory.
