Bangladesh seeks extensive revisions in travel pact with India

Bangladesh is gearing up to suggest substantial revisions to its travel agreement with India, with a focus on providing increased convenience and flexibility for citizens traveling between the two nations.

The proposed amendments encompass issuing visas that permit travel through any checkpost and introducing flexibility for extended medical treatments, including provisions for multiple travels.
The existing travel agreement, which commenced on September 1, 1972, and was last revised in January 2013, is set to expire soon, prompting Bangladesh to present a comprehensive proposal for its renewal.
A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs anticipates the signing of the new travel agreement within the next month. To facilitate this process, Bangladesh's Security Service Division has diligently prepared a proposal.
An inter-ministerial meeting, scheduled for Sunday, will gather opinions and recommendations from relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Secondary and Higher Education, and the Ministry of Shipping.
Following the meeting, the finalized proposal will be sent to the Indian side through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, initiating a mutual exchange of opinions before the agreement is renewed.
A significant proposal aims to replace the term "Designated check post" with "Through any check post" in visa documentation. This change aims to provide travelers with the flexibility to choose their entry and exit points, reducing congestion at specific checkposts and streamlining the travel process.
Similarly, the proposal includes provisions for multiple travels and the option to change hospitals during long-term medical treatments, addressing the diverse needs of individuals seeking extended medical care in either country.
Furthermore, Bangladesh will propose an extension of the visa-free stay period for diplomatic and official passports from 45 to 90 days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already submitted this proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Other proposals include prolonging the validity of short-term double-entry visas from 3 to 6 months and recognizing river routes as a legitimate travel option. The inclusion of river routes follows recent agreements between both countries to launch river cruises.
Notably, there will be no changes to long-term multiple entry visas and long-term employment visas.