Government has temporarily suspended visa on arrival for foreign nationals to prevent unwanted situations ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain announced on Wednesday.

Decision will remain effective for one month, from January 15 to February 15, covering the election and referendum period. Bangladesh missions abroad have already issued notices to nationals of countries previously eligible for the facility.

Touhid Hossain told journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the interim government took the decision to prevent security risks before the election. "Those needing to travel to Bangladesh must obtain visas in advance," he said.

Earlier, on January 12, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Expatriates-5 Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs, issued special instructions regarding visa issuance. Order directed authorities to thoroughly verify documents related to travel purpose, sponsoring organisation or individual, hotel or accommodation details and return tickets before issuing visas on arrival.

Instructions stated that no visa should be issued if any irregularity or suspicion arises during the verification process.

Bangladesh High Commission in Maldives confirmed the suspension on its Facebook page, stating visa on arrival will remain unavailable from January 15 to February 15.

When asked about resuming visas for Indian nationals, Foreign Affairs Adviser said Indian visas remain suspended due to security concerns. He called it a decision taken under special circumstances.

Order aims to ensure safe and orderly entry, stay and departure of foreign nationals during the parliamentary election and referendum period. Foreign nationals requiring urgent travel to Bangladesh during this period must apply for visas through Bangladesh missions in their respective countries.

Suspension applies to all countries previously eligible for visa on arrival facility at Bangladeshi ports of entry.

Source : BBC Bangla