Dhaka: The government of Bangladesh has released a set of special visa guidelines to ensure the safe and orderly arrival, stay, and departure of foreign nationals in the lead-up to the national election. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued these instructions on Monday, with the aim of streamlining entry procedures while maintaining security and effective monitoring during the election period.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the order mandates that existing visa policies be strictly adhered to for all types of visas, including those issued on arrival. The guidelines emphasize the importance of verifying required documents and strengthening coordination among relevant agencies.
The guidelines specify that Bangladesh missions abroad are to issue specific visas only after complying with the terms and conditions set forth in the Visa Policy 2006 and subsequent notifications. Proper verification of relevant documents is essential before issuing visas.
For visas on arrival, eligible foreigners must comply with the circular issued on September 15, 2016. This includes thorough verification of the purpose of arrival, sponsoring institution or person, accommodation details, return ticket, and other requirements. Any irregularity, deviation, or suspicion will result in visa denial.
The guidelines further state that foreign military and security personnel must obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs before entering Bangladesh. For election observers and journalists, arrival visas bearing the seal ‘Election Observation’ will be issued based on recommendations from the Election Commission and relevant ministries, with the possibility of waiving visa fees for election observers.
To ensure effective monitoring, special branches will enhance coordination among intelligence and law enforcement agencies during visa issuance, arrivals, and departures at all international airports, land, and sea ports. Additionally, Bangladesh embassies/missions abroad, the Directorate of Immigration and Passports, special branches, and ports of entry are required to send detailed daily reports in Excel format on visa issuance and the arrival and departure of foreign nationals to the Additional Secretary (Immigration Sub-Division) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.