AMN/ WEB DESK
India and Bangladesh have reiterated their commitment to work towards citizen-centric consular mechanisms. During the second Consular meeting held in Delhi on Thursday, both the countries also agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations and promote greater people to people exchanges.
India and Bangladesh also agreed on the need for further liberalization of visa formalities and entry and exit norms to enhance ease of travel. Both sides agreed on the implementation of provisions under the Revised Travel Arrangements (2018) relating to tourist, student and business visas.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during the consular meeting, the two sides had wide ranging discussion on mechanisms to strengthen coordination and cooperation on Consular issues.
The meeting discussed the finalisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consular access, verification of nationality and release of detainees, particularly early release of detained fishermen.
Both sides welcomed the close cooperation between agencies to deal with terrorism and cross-boundary crimes and on legal assistance.
The Indian delegation was led by the Secretary (CPV & OIA) Sanjay Bhattacharyya while the Bangladesh side was led by Amb. Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consular dialogue mechanism between the two countries was instituted in 2017 to discuss issues related to consular, visa, and mutual legal assistance matters.
The first Consular Dialogue between the two countries was held in Dhaka in 2017. The next Consular Dialogue will be scheduled in Dhaka.