Modernisation of land customs station along border stressed
"The two governments are working on a programme for coordinated development of the land customs station on both the side," E Ahamed said, adding, "To complement this initiative, trans-border transport arrangements need to be strengthened considerably."
He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of a new Indian visa application centre in the capital.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. State Minister for Expatriate's Welfare and Overseas Employment Major (Retd) Qamrul Islam and E Ahamed jointly inaugurated centre.
E Ahamed said, "With the full implementation of Safta, Bimstec and Free Trade Agreements next year, we can expect an inevitable upsurge in the flow of goods and people across these regions."
He said, "Our bilateral and regional trade should move through containers along the road, river and rail routes rather than the present system of open trucks and open rails."
He said the government of the two countries will review the Revised Travel Agreement, signed in 2001, in the upcoming year.
He said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has to issue about 5 lakh visas a year. Establishment of a separate visa application centre will make the visa process easier, he added.
"Making it easier to apply for and obtain Indian visas, this centre should greatly encourage people to people contact between Bangladesh and India," Indian state minister said, adding that both Bangladesh and India are deeply committed to the success of Saarc and Bimstec.
Qamrul assured his Indian counterpart of all sorts of cooperation from his part to the Indian High Commission.
He said through setting up the visa application centre will end the unusual rush and long queues in front of the Indian High Commission.
Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri said she should do something when she joined the high commission in Dhaka on December 11 seeing heavy rush and long queues in front of the high commission for visas.
She thanked both the ministers for their cooperation in setting up the visa application centre.
Bangladesh country head to the State Bank of India Sree AJ Bosh also spoke.
The Visa Application Centre will start functioning from today at House no-12, Lake View, Road No- 137, Gulshan-1, Dhaka 1212. Visa seekers can submit their applications in new application forms, which are available at the Centre and can also be downloaded from the website at www.hcidhaka.org between 8:00am and 2:00pm at new centre with Tk 200 per application as service charge.