FROM PAGE 1

between our two sovereign nations.”

According to an earlier statement by the Indian High Commission, security concerns forced Indian missions in Bangladesh to scale down visa services.

It said that on August 5, 2024, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi was ransacked and set on fire, while five Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) across Bangladesh came under attack.

Despite the security challenges, the high commission continued operating IVACs in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi for people travelling for treatment of serious medical conditions.

India has been issuing more than 1,500 visas a day across all categories except tourist visas, the statement said.

Dhaka-Delhi relations have remained strained since the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024.

India had largely suspended visa services in late December amid demonstrations in various parts of India, including outside Bangladesh missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Agartala.

Bangladesh resumed issuing all categories of visas to Indian nationals after the BNP government took office on February 17.

Trivedi, a politician-turned-diplomat who arrived in Dhaka on June 12, said the first question he was asked after entering Bangladesh was about the resumption of visas.

“It is good for us and good for the people here. It is the first thing I have done as high commissioner.”

Meanwhile, during the courtesy call, President Shahabuddin told Trivedi that Bangladesh attaches special importance to its relationship with India as its closest neighbour and a significant trade and development partner.

“Bangladesh is committed to maintaining a respectful and forward-looking partnership with India while upholding sovereign equality, national interest, dignity, and public welfare,” he said, expressing hope that Trivedi’s tenure would help make bilateral relations even stronger, more fruitful, and welfare-oriented.

President’s Press Secretary Sarwar Alam told the media that Shahabuddin emphasised the importance of increasing people-to-people contact and taking positive initiatives to resolve outstanding issues, including border-related ones.

Trivedi said a friendly and cordial relationship naturally exists between the two sovereign countries.

Regarding border issues, he noted that fruitful discussions were recently held between senior officials of the BSF and BGB, while stressing the importance of holding such meetings more regularly to ensure the swift resolution of border issues.