A Parliamentary committee on external affairs expressed concern that reduced visa processing volumes for Bangladesh nationals and security-related disruptions may adversely affect public perception and impede people-to-people engagement, which is vital for fostering bilateral ties.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
The Committee also noted the government's position that while providing refuge to former PM Sheikh Hasina, it had strictly adhered to the principle that no political activity is directed against any other country from Indian territory. The committee was informed by the government that it does not provide her with a political platform or any space to undertake any political activity from Indian territory.
Recognizing the importance of sustained inter-personal contact for preserving mutual trust and confidence, the committee urged that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to work with security agencies and progressively normalize visa operations in Bangladesh "as soon as the situation permits"
It also urged the ministry to develop a bilateral consular cooperation mechanism to periodically review visa policy, address grievances, and ensure that legitimate travellers are not subjected to various inconveniences, while maintaining necessary security safeguards. These recommendations were included in the Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/ Recommendations contained in the Ninth Report of the Committee on the subject ‘Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship’.
Following the events of 5 August, 2024, that led to Hasina's exit, visa services were significantly scaled down, and consular personnel were withdrawn from Bangladesh. The MEA told the committee that1,500 visas are currently being issued each day across five centers in Bangladesh with medical visas accounting for approximately 80% of the total visas issued. "The evolving security situation is under continuous review, and any decision on increasing daily issuance of visas or operationalizing additional visa centers will be taken in coordination with the relevant ministries of the government of India," it said.
On the Hasina issue, the committee noted that the stay of Hasina in the country and India’s approach in this regard is guided by its civilizational ethos and humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to individuals facing circumstances of grave distress or existential threat.
Taking note also of Dhaka's request for her extradition, the committee recommended that the government continue to uphold its principled and humanitarian approach, consistent with India’s "values and international responsibilities, while ensuring that such situations are managed with due sensitivity".
