Dhaka: Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain has stated that the decision on whether to grant visas to Bangladeshi citizens rests solely with India, and no questions should be raised regarding their sovereign authority on the matter.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, March 4, he addressed concerns raised by journalists about visa-related complications for Bangladeshis traveling to India.
“We did not create any visa-related complications. India, for whatever reasons, holds the sovereign right to issue or deny visas. No country can be questioned if it decides not to issue visas to any group or individual. It is their decision,” Hossain stated. He further added that Bangladesh hopes India will clarify its stance and enhance cooperation to facilitate the visa process for those wishing to travel.
Responding to a question regarding remarks made by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus in a BBC Bangla interview about India, Hossain asserted that Yunus’ statement aligns with Bangladesh’s diplomatic stance. “What the Chief Advisor has said fully reflects our position. I have consistently advocated for fostering good relations, which must be based on mutual respect. Our stance has been clear from the beginning, and his comments reaffirm that,” he said.
He emphasized that the bilateral relationship will progress based on mutual interests and considerations from both sides.