Indian tourist visa services have resumed in Bangladesh after a gap of two years. A huge crowd of applicants was seen at the visa centers in Dhaka. People are very happy with the opening of visas for medical and tourism purposes.
Indian Visa Application Centers (IVACs) in Bangladesh have reopened after being closed for almost two years, following the resumption of tourist visas. In the capital Dhaka, a large number of Indian visa applicants were seen standing in queue in front of the IVAC at Jamuna Future Park. They submitted their visa applications and expressed satisfaction over the resumption of tourist visas.
Chandra Roy, who came for visa, told ANI, “I have come here to get medical visa. I have submitted my papers. The services here and everything is very good. Two years ago I had some problems, but now it is very good.” He further added, “Definitely, it is useful. Whether for medical purposes or tourism, both are essential for Bangladeshis, especially medical services.” Roy said, “After a long time, tourist visa has opened. Because of this, everyone wants to go abroad. They want to visit India like in the old days.”
Another visa applicant, Shakeela Akhtar Seema, said, “I have come here for an Indian visa, mainly for a medical visa. I also get treated at Manipal Hospital in Chennai and Kolkata. I also took a medical visa some time ago; they gave me a six-month visa.” She said, “The doctor has asked me to go again, so I have applied for a fresh medical visa. Most of the people in our country mainly go to India for treatment, be it Chennai or any other place. Since good treatment is available there, we go. I went to Manipal last time for checkup and I liked it very much, so I am going again.”
New High Commissioner announces restoration of visa
On June 25, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi announced that tourist visas would resume from five visa centres, including the capital Dhaka, from June 28, 2026. He made this announcement after presenting his credentials to the President of Bangladesh. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi presented his credentials to Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin at Rashtrapati Bhavan ‘Bangabhavan’ on Thursday. The new Indian High Commissioner was welcomed at the Bangabhavan with a ceremony including a guard of honour. After this he met the President and presented his identity card.
On the occasion, President Mohammad Shahabuddin welcomed the new Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi and expressed hope that he will contribute to the development of relations between Bangladesh and India during his tenure. After presenting his credentials, High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi visited the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park to inspect the visa activities and announced the resumption of tourist visas.
Visa services continued despite security challenges
On August 5, 2024, there was complete vandalism and arson at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Center in Dhanmondi. Five Indian Visa Application Centers (IVACs) were attacked in different cities of Bangladesh, and Indian personnel working on development projects were threatened. Due to security threats and attacks on the High Commission premises, the Indian High Commission was forced to scale down visa operations in Bangladesh.
Many people applying for Indian visas travel to India for treatment of serious medical conditions. Keeping these humanitarian needs in mind, the Indian High Commission continues to operate visa centers in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi, despite security challenges, from August 5, 2024. India was issuing more than 1,500 visas per day across all categories except tourist visas. Medical and other emergency visas were processed on priority basis. Arrangements were also made to assist people with emergency needs in submitting their applications.
Who is the new High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi?
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi reached Dhaka by road on 12 June. They entered Bangladesh through Petrapole-Benapole border. Trivedi replaces Prannoy Kumar Verma, who served as Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh for four years till May this year. Dinesh Trivedi is a former MP from Barrackpore, West Bengal. He has also served as a Union Minister during the UPA era of Dr. Manmohan Singh, holding the charge of Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and later the Ministry of Railways.
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