ছবি: Photo: Collected
During a regular briefing on Thursday, November 14, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Toufiq Hasan announced that third-country nationals who are unable to obtain Indian visas in Delhi can now apply for them in Vietnam or Pakistan instead.
Responding to questions from journalists about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements from India, Hasan mentioned that the interim government has expressed its dissatisfaction with the way her statements have been covered in the Indian media. He further stated that the Bangladeshi government has formally requested that Sheikh Hasina refrain from making public statements or speeches while in India. However, no response has been received from the Indian authorities yet.
Hasan also noted that the Foreign Ministry does not have specific information on how many former ministers and MPs from the Awami League government are currently residing in India following recent student-led protests and public uprisings.
In another development, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma informed journalists on October 21 that Indian tourist visas will not resume for Bangladeshis anytime soon, although the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is processing visas for those with urgent needs. This statement followed a courtesy meeting between High Commissioner Verma and Foreign Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin earlier in the day.
Verma explained that due to limited manpower, the Indian High Commission is prioritizing medical visas and facilitating visa applications for third-country travel for individuals going through India. Full tourist visa services will resume once regular operations are restored.
Following the meeting, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Toufiq Hasan indicated that India has expressed interest in holding a secretary-level meeting with Bangladesh by December. The ministry later issued a statement confirming that discussions included various bilateral matters, such as the status of Indian visa services, the return of Indian nationals working on projects under Indian loan agreements, renewal of travel arrangements, expediting consular services for detained Bangladeshi fishermen, and preparations for upcoming bilateral meetings.
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