Economy
Bangladesh Proposes Comprehensive Amendments to Travel Agreement with India
In a bid to enhance travel convenience and flexibility between Bangladesh and India, Bangladesh is set to propose substantial amendments to its existing travel agreement with India. The proposed changes, which aim to streamline the travel process, include issuing visas allowing travel through any checkpost and providing flexibility for long-term medical treatments, such as permitting multiple travels.
The current travel agreement, initiated on September 1, 1972, and last revised in January 2013, is set to expire on Sunday. In anticipation of its expiration, Bangladesh is presenting 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 meticulously 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.
Key proposals in the amendment include replacing the term “Designated check post” with “Through any check post” in visa documentation to provide travelers with entry and exit flexibility. This change aims to alleviate congestion at specific checkposts and streamline the travel process.
The proposal also 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.
Bangladesh will propose increasing the visa-free stay period for diplomatic and official passports from 45 to 90 days, and other proposals include extending the validity of short-term double-entry visas and recognizing river routes as a legitimate travel option.
For stays exceeding six months, the current requirement for approval from the Foreigner Registration Office may be replaced with online registration for a Residential Permit 14 days before arrival.
Notably, there will be no changes to long-term multiple entry visas and long-term employment visas.
With these amendments, Bangladesh aims to foster a more seamless and convenient travel relationship, catering to the diverse needs of citizens from both countries. The proposed changes are expected to contribute to the substantial influx of Bangladeshi tourists visiting India each year for various purposes, including education, medical care, employment, business, and tourism. According to data from the Bureau of Immigration of India, Bangladesh was the second-highest contributor to India’s tourism sector in 2022, with 20% of tourists originating from Bangladesh.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
