Bangladesh on Wednesday opened a visa centre at the city of Siliguri in the Indian state of West Bengal, aiming to facilitate the residents of north Bengal particularly.
The opening of the visa centre comes at a time when both the countries are planning to launch train service between Dhaka and Siliguri, reports Indian newspaper The Telegraph.
Besides, there is a plan to run buses between Bangladesh and Nepal via Siliguri under the motor vehicle agreement signed by the three countries.
The application centre, located at the International Market on Sevoke Road, is being operated by DU Digital BD Private Limited, a Calcutta-based company.
“It is the only outsourced agency of the Bangladesh deputy high commission of Calcutta for accepting Bangladeshi visa applications from Indians and other foreign nationals,” said a source.
Officials said any individual seeking a visa for travelling to Bangladesh could apply for the same at the centre as well as a branch of Sonali Bank — situated on Sevoke Road. Earlier, people from north Bengal had to visit Calcutta to collect a visa.
“Visa applications will be accepted from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The centre has form-filling desks, a photo-booth and photocopy facilities, along with passport return counters. An applicant has to pay Rs 825 for all categories of visas,” said a representative from DU Digital BD Private Limited.
Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network General Secretary Samrat Sanyal said the visa centre would largely cater to the needs of people of north Bengal.
“Many people want to visit Bangladesh where they had their roots. There are others who want to take a trip to the neighbouring country. We believe the footfall of tourists from north Bengal in Bangladesh will increase in the coming days,” he added.
