A centre for Bangladeshi visas is now in Siliguri. It was inaugurated on Wednesday, for the North Bengal residents who have been demanding such a facility since a long time.
This centre is located at the International Market on Sevoke Road near Panitanki More of the city and will be run by Du Digital BD Private Limited, which is a Calcutta-based company.
A source informed, “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.”
Officials said people seeking 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. Previously, people from North Bengal had to visit Calcutta to collect a visa.
It is informed that Visa applications will be accepted from 9am to 3pm. 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.
The opening of the visa centre comes at a time when plans have been drawn by authorities of both the counties to commence train service between Dhaka and Siliguri. There is a plan to run buses between Bangladesh and Nepal via Siliguri under the motor vehicle agreement that has been signed by the three countries.
The General Secretary of Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network, Samrat Sanyal said that the visa centre would largely cater to the needs of people of North Bengal.
