Indian visa to be relaxed soon: FM
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said that visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens travelling to India are expected to become easier soon, with current delays likely to be resolved.
He made the remarks during a session of the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday.
Responding to a written question from Kishoreganj-5 MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal, the minister said the government is actively working to simplify visa access and overcome the existing stagnation, while continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with India.
“Our relations with India and other South Asian neighbours are based on goodwill, friendship, and solidarity, rooted in shared values, historical links, and strong people-to-people bonds,” Khalilur Rahman said.
“The government has been advancing relations with India based on sovereign equality, fairness, and mutual respect, while safeguarding national interests.”
Referring to his recent visit to India, he said discussions with India’s foreign minister, petroleum and natural gas minister, and national security adviser were “very fruitful.”
During these meetings, Bangladesh strongly urged the restoration of normal travel and business visa processes. “Positive changes in visa matters will come soon,” he added.
In the same parliamentary session, the foreign minister addressed concerns regarding the deaths of two Bangladeshi students at the University of South Florida.
Responding to a question from lawmaker AE Sultan Mahmud Babu, Khalilur Rahman said the government has taken necessary steps to repatriate the students’ bodies quickly.
He noted that Bangladeshi missions in Washington, D.C., and the consulate general in Florida were coordinating the process while completing all required legal formalities.
“Ensuring the safety of Bangladeshis living abroad remains a top priority,” the minister emphasized, adding that consular services had been strengthened, particularly for citizens in conflict-affected regions.
He highlighted efforts to make Bangladeshi embassies and consulates reliable support systems for expatriates, rather than just administrative offices.
Missions were instructed to respond promptly to any incidents involving citizens abroad and to work closely with local law enforcement.
Khalilur Rahman reiterated that Bangladesh is committed to maintaining strong, mutually respectful relations with India and other South Asian neighbours.
The government continues diplomatic engagement to protect national interests and ensure smooth cross-border interactions, including travel and business facilitation.
The announcements come amid ongoing efforts to enhance people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and India, signaling a potential end to the visa delays that have affected travel and trade in recent months.
