Aniruddha Das, India’s senior consular official in Sylhet, has said steps are under way to fully restore all visa services.
On Thursday, the Indian assistant high commissioner in Sylhet also assured maximum cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties through visa facilitation.
“Medical and double-entry visas are being issued now, and steps are under way to resume other categories, including travel visas,” he said at the Sylhet District Press Club.
Relations between the neighbouring countries have been strained since the political upheaval of 2024, with India limiting visa issuance to Bangladesh during that spell.
Aniruddha said, “India-Bangladesh relations stand on the foundation of mutual respect and honour. The people of both countries will be the principal stakeholders of a stable, positive, constructive, long-term and mutually beneficial relationship.
“Bangladesh and India share the same outlook. Both nations have carried their cultures from the past. We want to work together.”
He added, “We should transform our geographical and cultural proximity, growing economic capacity, and future aspirations into new opportunities through cooperation.
“Through objective reporting and constructive criticism, journalists can further reinforce and strengthen this relationship.”
Journalists present at the exchange highlighted prospects and challenges in expanding trade, education, cultural exchanges and connectivity between Sylhet and India’s northeastern region.
They also called on the Indian government to undertake projects supporting Sylhet’s socio-economic development under its “Aid to Bangladesh” and Line of Credit initiatives.
Paying tribute to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, speakers underscored the historic bonds between the two countries and stressed the need to make bilateral relations more fruitful and enduring.