Dhaka: Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) has called on the European Union (EU) to establish a visa center for its member countries in Dhaka to facilitate easier access for Bangladeshi citizens. This request was made during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the Home Ministry office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting covered several important issues, including the country's law and order situation, the Rohingya crisis, migration, and human trafficking prevention. Jahangir emphasized the challenges faced by Bangladeshis in acquiring EU visas, which currently require travel to New Delhi, India, describing the process as time-consuming, difficult, and expensive. He highlighted the necessity of a local visa center to alleviate these challenges.
The EU ambassador acknowledged the request and assured that it would be discussed with relevant EU representatives. Jahangir noted that Bangladesh is a significant manpower exporter to EU countries, with many citizens traveling for business, education, health, and tourism. He underscored Bangladesh's populous nature, despite its small size, and its strong ties with the EU, a major development partner.
The discussion also touched on the EU's support for Bangladesh's ongoing reform process, with the ambassador expressing willingness to provide skills, training, and experience. Jahangir requested that training workshops be conducted in EU countries to address the skill gap in Bangladesh.
On the topic of law and order, Jahangir described the situation in Bangladesh as satisfactory and welcomed the EU's support in enhancing security and economic development. He addressed the Rohingya refugee crisis, noting the official count of 1.2 million refugees and the strain on law and order in Cox's Bazar. Coordination among law enforcement and efforts by various organizations were highlighted as measures to improve conditions.
Regarding human trafficking, the ambassador proposed a tripartite dialogue involving Bangladesh, Libya, and the EU to curb illegal migration, suggesting the possibility of a memorandum of understanding. Jahangir expressed Bangladesh's readiness to cooperate and requested the EU's leadership in these initiatives.
The meeting was attended by additional officials, including Additional Secretary (Political and ICT) Khandaker Md. Mahabubur Rahman and Counselor of the EU Delegation in Dhaka Jurate SMALSKYTE MERVILLE.