UNB, Dhaka :
The Indian High Commission here on Saturday launched ‘Eid Visa Camp’, the first of its kind in the history of Bangladesh-India bilateral relationship, drawing huge crowd.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla formally inaugurated the camp, aimed at furthering easing the visa process.
The visa camp is being held at the New Chancery Complex, High Commission of India, in Baridhara and will remain open from 8am to 2pm till June 16, except June 10.
“Today is a special day,” the high commissioner said mentioning that such initiative shows attention that visa occupies in two countries relationship and the magnitude of Indian visa operations in Bangladesh.
Around 6,000 visa seekers were there outside and inside the camp on the inaugural day. Other than exceptional cases and doubts, the visa applicants will be given a one-year multiple visa, the high commissioner told reporters before the formal inauguration of the camp.
The High Commission issues the largest number of visas as compared to any other Indian missions anywhere in the world and probably more than any other mission in Bangladesh, said the Indian diplomat.
“This is because of our unique relationship,” Shringla said adding that more than one million people from Bangladesh went to India last year.
The second largest number of tourists went to India from Bangladesh in 2015, the high commissioner said mentioning that everyday he meets friends and people in Bangladesh who like to visit India for shopping, studies, medical treatment and for meeting friends and relatives.
“It’s always our endeavor to ease this movement of people. We know people in Bangladesh would like to visit India during the Eid holidays. We want India to be your most preferred destination because we are the closest neighbors,” Shringla said.
Intensely tied relations
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the people of India are very close to the hearts of Bangladeshi people.
“It’s another sign of strengthening people-to-people ties. Through such initiative, the relations between the two countries will further be strengthened,” he said while addressing the function as the chief guest.
Khan said, he had a discussion with the High Commission how the visa process can further be eased. “I really appreciate the initiative taken for easing the visa process and making people’s mobility easier.”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said they have discussed the visa issue in their every meeting with Indian counterparts at various levels and there has been assurance from the Indian part to make the process easier and hassle-free one.
“This is a very brave move and very challenging move,” he said thanking the Indian High Commission for taking up visa camp initiative.
Alam said, there is a sign that the Indian side is not shying away rather they are taking initiatives to ease the visa process.
“Now not only visa, any problem can be addressed through sitting together. There is no such problem between our relations which can remain unresolved,” he said referring to their discussion with Indian counterparts.
The visa seekers who got chance to submit their applications on the first day of the camp expressed their happiness.
“This is a good opportunity for us. I’m applying for visa with my son. I came here at 5am yet I’m happy,” said Sumitra Paul.
Another visa applicant – Rajib – said he is happy to see such initiative but mentioned that the visa authority should grant visas to all members of the family. “It doesn’t make any sense for me, if I’m given visa but my family members who’ll apply together with me are denied.”
A raffle draw was also held for the visa applicants. Three winners were given Jet Airways tickets to visit India with their respective partners.
Himangshu Chandra won two Dhaka-Kolkata-Dhaka tickets, Rina Afsar got Dhaka-Mumbai-Dhaka tickets while Rajib Khan won Dhaka-Delhi-Dhaka air tickets.
Jet Airways is also offering exclusive discounts for travelers who book their tickets at the Visa Camp.
During the Eid Visa Camp, applicants can submit their tourist visa applications on a walk-in basis without prior appointment date.
Special counters have been set up inside the camp by the Indian Visa Application Center which is run and operated by the State Bank of India to accept Visa Application forms.
The Indian High Commission here on Saturday launched ‘Eid Visa Camp’, the first of its kind in the history of Bangladesh-India bilateral relationship, drawing huge crowd.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla formally inaugurated the camp, aimed at furthering easing the visa process.
The visa camp is being held at the New Chancery Complex, High Commission of India, in Baridhara and will remain open from 8am to 2pm till June 16, except June 10.
“Today is a special day,” the high commissioner said mentioning that such initiative shows attention that visa occupies in two countries relationship and the magnitude of Indian visa operations in Bangladesh.
Around 6,000 visa seekers were there outside and inside the camp on the inaugural day. Other than exceptional cases and doubts, the visa applicants will be given a one-year multiple visa, the high commissioner told reporters before the formal inauguration of the camp.
The High Commission issues the largest number of visas as compared to any other Indian missions anywhere in the world and probably more than any other mission in Bangladesh, said the Indian diplomat.
“This is because of our unique relationship,” Shringla said adding that more than one million people from Bangladesh went to India last year.
The second largest number of tourists went to India from Bangladesh in 2015, the high commissioner said mentioning that everyday he meets friends and people in Bangladesh who like to visit India for shopping, studies, medical treatment and for meeting friends and relatives.
“It’s always our endeavor to ease this movement of people. We know people in Bangladesh would like to visit India during the Eid holidays. We want India to be your most preferred destination because we are the closest neighbors,” Shringla said.
Intensely tied relations
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the people of India are very close to the hearts of Bangladeshi people.
“It’s another sign of strengthening people-to-people ties. Through such initiative, the relations between the two countries will further be strengthened,” he said while addressing the function as the chief guest.
Khan said, he had a discussion with the High Commission how the visa process can further be eased. “I really appreciate the initiative taken for easing the visa process and making people’s mobility easier.”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said they have discussed the visa issue in their every meeting with Indian counterparts at various levels and there has been assurance from the Indian part to make the process easier and hassle-free one.
“This is a very brave move and very challenging move,” he said thanking the Indian High Commission for taking up visa camp initiative.
Alam said, there is a sign that the Indian side is not shying away rather they are taking initiatives to ease the visa process.
“Now not only visa, any problem can be addressed through sitting together. There is no such problem between our relations which can remain unresolved,” he said referring to their discussion with Indian counterparts.
The visa seekers who got chance to submit their applications on the first day of the camp expressed their happiness.
“This is a good opportunity for us. I’m applying for visa with my son. I came here at 5am yet I’m happy,” said Sumitra Paul.
Another visa applicant – Rajib – said he is happy to see such initiative but mentioned that the visa authority should grant visas to all members of the family. “It doesn’t make any sense for me, if I’m given visa but my family members who’ll apply together with me are denied.”
A raffle draw was also held for the visa applicants. Three winners were given Jet Airways tickets to visit India with their respective partners.
Himangshu Chandra won two Dhaka-Kolkata-Dhaka tickets, Rina Afsar got Dhaka-Mumbai-Dhaka tickets while Rajib Khan won Dhaka-Delhi-Dhaka air tickets.
Jet Airways is also offering exclusive discounts for travelers who book their tickets at the Visa Camp.
During the Eid Visa Camp, applicants can submit their tourist visa applications on a walk-in basis without prior appointment date.
Special counters have been set up inside the camp by the Indian Visa Application Center which is run and operated by the State Bank of India to accept Visa Application forms.
