As Cabinet-rank envoy takes charge, India reopens tourist visas for Bangladesh nationals

Zurich: India will resume accepting tourist visa applications from Bangladeshi citizens from June 28, announced High Commissioner to Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi as he was elevated to the rank of Cabinet Minister unprecedented in the annals of India's diplomacy in recent years.

Announcing the decision during a visit to the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, Trivedi said tourist visa applications would initially be accepted through five centres located in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Sylhet and Khulna.

"From June 28, Indian tourist visa applications in Bangladesh will be accepted. We will continue to facilitate medical visas and other urgent applications," Trivedi said.


He added that India intends to expand the service further in the future. "We hope that this will further strengthen the people-to-people ties between our sovereign nations," he said.

Earlier, Trivedi presented his credentials to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban in Dhaka after assuming charge as India's new High Commissioner. He received a ceremonial guard of honour during the credential ceremony.

President Shahabuddin welcomed the envoy and expressed hope that he would contribute to strengthening bilateral ties during his tenure.

The decision to elevate Trivedi to the Cabinet rank is keeping with his former status as a Union Cabinet Minister.

Besides, the cabinet rank will ensure that Trivedi will also engage and coordinate with the Indian PMO giving the feedback on one of India's key bilateral ties. The decision is also a signal to Dhaka of significance given to Indian High Commissioner.

It is understood that Nepal may also see a former Cabinet Minister being appointed as the next Ambassador after the incumbent retires in few months.

In 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, some of India's envoys to USA and erstwhile Soviet Union enjoyed status of Cabinet Minister.