India's outgoing High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das on Thursday expressed the hope that Indian visas for Bangladeshis will be issued soon.
"Currently, emergency medical visas and business visas by air are being issued. We're trying to get back to normal as soon as possible," she said while talking to reporters after meeting with State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury at the latter's office at Secretariat in the capital.
"Indian High Commission will start issuing tourist visas for Bangladesh nationals once the coronavirus situation improves," she said.
Replying to a query, she asked what would be the significance of issuing visas unless flight operations between the two countries become normal. However, she said they are working on the matter.
About her meeting with the State Minister for Shipping, High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das said, "We're working very closely with the Ministry of Shipping. India-Bangladesh relations are normal. A lot of work has been done. We also worked together during the coronavirus pandemic. It has been possible due to a good relationship, the trade train is running here. The supply chain is fine and much smoother. Many agreements have already been completed. We have also completed many projects together."
"Our trade will grow," she also said, adding that it will benefit Bangladesh and create employment.
In the meantime, the trial has been held in the light of the signature of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for shipping between Bangladesh and India. Now the task is to take the everything forward. That too will happen smoothly.
SZA