The Deputy High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh, Pawan Badhe, announced on Sunday (October 13) that Indian authorities are implementing significant reforms to streamline the visa application process and mitigate the hardships faced by Bangladeshi citizens. During a visit to the Puja mandap established by philanthropist Ranadaprasad Saha in Mirzapur, Tangail, the diplomat emphasized that these systemic changes aim to ensure that applicants can secure appointments directly, bypassing the complications often created by third-party intermediaries.
Addressing concerns regarding visa slot availability, Badhe identified the influence of dishonest travel agents as the primary obstacle for genuine applicants. He noted that these intermediaries often preemptively block available appointment slots for their own interests, forcing citizens to rely on them rather than utilizing official channels. The Deputy High Commissioner explained that these illicit practices deprive ordinary people of timely access to visa appointments, a challenge the mission is actively working to dismantle.
To combat these issues, the Indian mission has integrated advanced information technology and enhanced security features into its visa application portal. Badhe highlighted that these updates are designed to empower applicants to navigate the system independently. He noted that the mission has observed a positive shift over the past few months, with an increasing number of applicants successfully securing visas without the involvement of agents, reflecting the effectiveness of the recent digital interventions.
During his visit to the Kumudini complex, the diplomat lauded the legacy of the institutions established by Ranadaprasad Saha, including the Kumudini Hospital. He underscored the profound cultural parallels between Bangladesh and India, noting that the traditions surrounding Durga Puja celebrations are remarkably similar in both nations.
The Deputy High Commissioner arrived at the Kumudini campus on Sunday evening, where he was welcomed by Mahabir Pati Chandan, a director of the Kumudini Welfare Trust. Following his tour of the Kumudini Library and a boat trip across the Louhajang River, he attended a cultural performance by students of Bharateswari Homes at the Puja mandap. The event was attended by key figures including the Managing Director of Kumudini Welfare Trust, Rajib Prasad Saha, and other senior officials from the hospital and medical college.
