Bangladesh will seek more flexible entry and exit points for its citizens across the border with India as the two neighbouring countries prepare to renew their bilateral Revised Travel Arrangement (RTA) this month.
Under the current arrangement, established in 1972, Bangladeshis and Indians can only enter and leave each other's territories through designated checkpoints.
This, Bangladeshi officials argue, creates unnecessary hurdles for the citizens. Now, by the amendment, they want the citizens can enter and exit the neighbouring country through any check-posts.
The RTA, which expires in mid-January, is currently under review for amendments before the renewal.
"We're trying to update the RTA to better serve the needs of our citizens," Md Saiful Islam, an additional secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, said.
Currently, a Bangladeshi entering India through a land border crossing must also leave via a designated checkpoint even if their return plans involve air travel or another land route.
"We will request India to amend the RTA so our people can use any authorised point for entry and exit," Mr Islam told The Financial Express.
He said Bangladeshi citizens who go to India for treatment need to mention the specific name of hospitals to get a visa, which prohibits them from availing treatment in other hospitals if necessary.
Also, the patients may need to travel to India several times in the course of treatments. However, many patients get visas for single entry and for a short stay in India thus they need to seek visas repeatedly.
Bangladesh now may seek to allow multiple entries and hospital flexibility as part of the revisions, said Mr Islam.
Easing visa processes for journalists and extending visa validity for seafarers are also likely amendments under consideration, according to officials.
Besides, Bangladesh will also seek to include river routes as official entry and exit points alongside the existing air, land (road and rail) and sea options to facilitate travel.
Mr Islam said that relevant ministries have been asked for their input on these proposed amendments, which will be finalised by the first week of January before being presented to Indian authorities.
Before the Covid pandemic in 2019, India issued visas to around 1.6 million Bangladeshi nationals. However, the number has since dropped as tourists allege longer visa processing times.
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