Speaking in the Jatiya Sangsad today, the Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said that Bangladesh has urged India to normalise issuing visas for Bangladeshi citizens and expressed hope for positive changes soon for Bangladeshi travellers.

“It is hoped that positive changes will be seen in this regard soon,” he said while answering a starred question from Sk Mozibur Rahman Iqbal.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad tabled the question and answer at the outset of the day’s proceedings.

Iqbal asked whether the government had taken initiatives to improve relations with India, and whether India had stopped issuing tourist or business visas to Bangladeshis, as well as steps taken to ease travel and visa access.

Khalilur said the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and India is reflected in strong solidarity -- built on common values, historical connections, and robust people-to-people ties.

He said that since assuming office, the government has taken initiatives to advance relations with India on the basis of sovereign equality, fairness, mutual respect, trust and national interest.

The foreign minister said he recently paid a goodwill visit to India, where he held discussions with the Indian minister for external affairs, minister for petroleum and natural gas, and the national security advisor.

“India has been urged to normalise the issuance of visas for Bangladeshi citizens. It is hoped that positive changes will be seen in this regard soon,” he said.