India and Bangladesh have agreed for a more intensive implementation of provisions under the Revised Travel Arrangements of 2018 relating to tourist, student and business visas. During the third India-Bangladesh Consular dialogue held in Dhaka on Monday, both sides agreed for further liberalisation of visa procedures and entry and exit norms to enhance ease of travel.
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on mechanisms to strengthen coordination and cooperation on Consular issues. These included finalisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for repatriation of each other’s detained nationals and early release of detained fishermen.
India and Bangladesh welcomed the close cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorism, cross-border crimes, and to increase mutual legal assistance, said a press release issued by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to continue to work towards citizen-centric consular mechanisms. Noting the unique friendship and special bond between the two countries, they agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations through easier and more extensive people-to-people exchanges. The next Consular Dialogue will be held in New Delhi.
During the Consular Dialogue, the Indian delegation was led by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) while the Bangladesh delegation was led by Amb. Mashfee binte Shams, Secretary (East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
The Consular Dialogue mechanism was set up in 2017 to discuss and improve consular, visa and mutual legal assistance cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
