India’s Assistant High Commissioner in Rajshahi, Manoj Kumar, expressed optimism that the existing relationship between Bangladesh and India will continue to strengthen in the days ahead. He stated that current diplomatic and economic ties between the two neighboring nations reflect the mutual interests of their people. The Indian official added that with continued cooperation, these bonds will become even more robust.

He made these remarks on Wednesday, April 9, during a discussion meeting held at the conference room of Hili Land Port with local import-export traders, customs clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents, and customs officials. The meeting focused on enhancing trade operations and addressing logistical and administrative challenges at the land port.

Manoj Kumar highlighted that India currently issues a significant number of visas to Bangladeshi nationals compared to many other countries. He acknowledged, however, that there are existing complications in the visa application process. The Assistant High Commissioner assured those present that efforts are ongoing to resolve issues related to visa processing, including staffing shortages and administrative bottlenecks.

Earlier in the day, around noon, Manoj Kumar arrived at the Hili border checkpoint, where he exchanged greetings with personnel from both the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Following this, he entered Indian territory and attended a series of meetings inside the Indian customs area at Hili. These included discussions with Indian customs officials and representatives of the local business community.

Subsequently, he held a formal meeting with BSF officers at the border checkpoint. During this visit, the Indian business community honored him with a crest, floral gifts, and a ceremonial scarf as a gesture of appreciation. After returning from the Indian side, Manoj Kumar was welcomed at the Hili Land Port by Bangladeshi customs and port officials who presented him with flowers.

In the later session at the land port's conference room, Bangladeshi traders and C&F agents raised several concerns, including difficulties in obtaining Indian visas, the need for establishing a quarantine office within Indian territory, and various hurdles related to the import-export process. They urged the Indian official to consider cooperative measures that would help streamline trade operations and boost bilateral commerce.

Present at the meeting were Hili Customs Assistant Commissioner Nazmul Hasan, President of the C&F Agents Association Ferdous Rahman, General Secretary Shahinur Islam, President of the Import-Export Group Sakhawat Hossain, and its General Secretary Nazmul Haque, among others.

The Assistant High Commissioner's visit underscored the ongoing efforts from both sides to nurture and facilitate smooth cross-border trade and communication. Participants hoped the discussions would pave the way for long-term improvements in trade logistics and bilateral relations.