India will resolve visa problems: FM

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has told Parliament that India has promised to solve the e-token-related complications in its visa application process.

Answering a question from MP AKM Rahmatullah on Tuesday, he said, "The government is aware of the e-token issue. We have raised the issue several times with the Indian authorities and the high commission in Dhaka."

"The Indian government has told us they are addressing the problem."

The Indian High Commission requires visa seekers to fill up a form online and collect an appointment date and an e-token from its website. They have to be present on that date with the token and a print-out of the form.

Applicants, however, have long alleged that they find the form on the commission's website but it does not issue them any token or appointment date.

A newspaper also published a report saying a group of people arrange for e-tokens in exchange for money.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh has requested India to improve the visa process.

"Every country has their own policies for visa processing. The Indian high commission introduced the online system for the benefit of Bangladeshis. Going back to the old system might create problems," he said.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said the Indian foreign minister had assured the government of giving five-year visas to under-13s and people older than 65.

"India has also suggested that it could open visa centres in other divisional towns. We're considering this. It will make the visa process easier," he added.

In answer to another question, Foreign Minister Ali said the government was sincere and active about getting the Teesta water-sharing treaty done.

"Since the new government was formed in New Delhi, our diplomatic communication and pressure has continued for the Teesta deal," he said.

He said India had been asked to hold the next Joint River Commission meeting and that the country was trying to build "internal political consensus" on the matter.

In reply to a question, Ali said Bangladesh had 68 embassies and consulates in 52 nations. New embassies in Austria, Poland and Denmark have been finalised.

In 14 countries, 15 missions have their own land, he said.

"We're constructing embassy buildings on own land in Beijing, Brussels, New Delhi, Kolkata, London, South Africa, Ankara, Islamabad, Nay Pyi Daw, Putrajaya, Tokyo, Riaydh and Kathmandu," he added.

In Canberra, the government was buying a property, he said.