Bangladesh Seeks Faster Business Visas from India Amid Trade Imbalance

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called on India to speed up the issuance of business visas for Bangladeshis, citing the need for greater ease of doing business between the two countries. Speaking at a reception in Dhaka hosted by the Indian High Commission, Islam emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral trade and investment ties with India.

Bangladesh is one of India's largest trading partners in South Asia, with total bilateral trade turnover standing at approximately $11.35 billion as of February 2025-26. However, Islam noted that the current trade relationship remains 'structurally imbalanced' and has the potential to be much higher.

The minister highlighted several areas where improvements could be made, including non-tariff barriers, procedural delays, and infrastructure constraints. She also invited Indian companies to invest in Bangladesh, citing its large domestic market, industrial workforce, competitive production capabilities, and geographical proximity to regional markets.