South Asia

Foreign adviser Touhid hopes for quick resolution of visa issues with India

Published: 12:35, 5 March 2025

Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain expressed optimism on Tuesday regarding the resolution of visa-related issues with India. However, he emphasized that the issuance of visas is a 'sovereign right' of any nation.

'Bangladesh has not imposed any visa restrictions. India has taken this step for reasons best known to them. It is their sovereign prerogative...,' he stated. He further added that a country's decision to issue or withhold visas for individuals or groups is entirely at its discretion and cannot be contested.
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain conveyed hopes that India would soon take measures to facilitate visa issuance for those seeking to travel there. He expressed confidence that India would clarify its stance or expedite the process.
Hossain reiterated that Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus' statements reflect Bangladesh’s official position. 'We have consistently advocated for a strong, cooperative relationship with India based on mutual respect and reciprocity,' he noted.
In an interview with BBC Bangla, Dr. Yunus acknowledged the presence of certain misunderstandings but reassured that efforts were underway to resolve them. He emphasized that the fundamental relationship between Bangladesh and India remains intact.
Dr. Yunus further highlighted that Bangladesh and India share deep-rooted historical, political, and economic ties. He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive and stable relationship between the two nations, as there is no alternative to fostering mutual cooperation.
The Chief Adviser underscored the continuous communication between the two governments. He mentioned that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously extended an invitation to him for the third Voice of Global South Summit, held virtually by New Delhi on August 17 last year. This invitation followed a direct message from Modi to Yunus, which was later followed by a telephone conversation.