On-arrival visa MoU between Bangladesh, Pakistan
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh and Pakistan have pledged to work hand in hand to combat drug trafficking and terrorism, as part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties in the post-Hasina era.
The new leadership in Bangladesh has ushered in a shift in foreign policy, with relations between Dhaka and Islamabad heading toward new heights.
This renewed commitment was expressed during a courtesy meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat, between Home Affairs Adviser, Lt Gen (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
The meeting focused on several key issues, including combating drugs and terrorism, cooperation in police training, visa-on-arrival facilities for diplomatic and official passport holders, the Rohingya refugee crisis, prevention of cybercrime, and expanding bilateral trade. Both sides emphasised the need to utilise mutual experience in addressing common challenges.
The Home Affairs Adviser highlighted that Bangladesh and Pakistan share a common history and cultural heritage, and that their friendly relations are now growing stronger than ever.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister reiterated his country’s commitment to enhancing all-round cooperation with Bangladesh.
One significant development discussed was the MoU on visa-on-arrival for diplomatic and official passport holders, which is reportedly in its final stage.
“An MoU on on-arrival visas for diplomatic and official passport holders are at the table to be signed as both countries are working on it,” Home Adviser said. The construction of Bangladesh’s new embassy building in Pakistan is also underway. Until the construction is complete, MRP (Machine Readable Passport) services are being offered, with e-passport services set to launch upon completion.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister emphasised the country’s prioritisation of counter-terrorism, stating, “We are working to establish peace globally through counter-terrorism. If we fail in this effort, it will pose a threat not only to Pakistan but to everyone. Therefore, we seek cooperation from all. In this regard, Bangladesh can benefit from Pakistan’s experience in combating terrorism.”
The Home Affairs Adviser pointed out that one of Bangladesh’s most pressing issues is drug trafficking, especially from neighbouring Myanmar. He expressed optimism that mutual cooperation and shared experiences can help tackle this challenge.
In an important proposal, Pakistan suggested signing an MoU between the two countries’ police academies for enhanced training collaboration.
The Adviser welcomed this proposal and noted that Bangladesh’s Sarda Police Academy is among the most respected and historic institutions in the Indian subcontinent.
On the Rohingya issue, Pakistan’s Interior Minister said that while Pakistan has not granted citizenship to Rohingyas, it is issuing passports with a distinct code to identify them separately.
The Home Affairs Adviser responded that Bangladesh currently shelters 1.3 million Rohingya refugees on humanitarian grounds, which poses a burden on a developing country like Bangladesh. He called for Pakistan’s support in facilitating the safe repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Signaling deeper people-to-people engagement, Pakistan has now opened its tourism sector to Bangladeshi citizens with free-of-cost visa facilities. This move is intended to foster cultural exchange and strengthen grassroots ties.
Adding to the growing warmth in bilateral relations, both governments are considering launching direct flights between Dhaka and Islamabad.
Furthermore, a cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan is currently being held in Dhaka, showcasing the potential for sports diplomacy to bridge historic gaps and promote goodwill among citizens of both nations.
During the meeting, Pakistan’s Interior Minister extended an invitation to the Home Affairs Adviser to visit Pakistan.
He also expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Pakistani government for the recent Uttara plane crash tragedy in Bangladesh.
The meeting was attended by the Adviser’s Assistant Md. Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Ministry Nasimul Ghani, and Pakistan Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Bangladesh, Mohammad Wasif.
This flurry of diplomatic and cultural engagement signals that Bangladesh-Pakistan relations are entering a new and promising chapter, with increased cooperation across security, trade, tourism, and sports – a development widely seen as part of the changing geopolitical landscape following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime.