Indian visa slots blocked by agents: Deputy High Commissioner

Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pawan Badhe has said unscrupulous agents block visa appointment slots well in advance, preventing ordinary applicants from securing appointments directly.

He said India is introducing several changes to make the visa application process easier and reduce hassles for Bangladeshis.

Badhe made the remarks while speaking to local journalists during a visit to the Durga Puja mandap established by philanthropist Ranada Prasad Saha in Mirzapur, Tangail, on Sunday.

Responding to a question, he said the main problem lies with appointment slots, as many unscrupulous agents operate with their own interests in mind.

“They block the slots well in advance, leaving ordinary citizens unable to secure appointments. Unfortunately, applicants are then forced to turn to these agents,” he said.

The deputy high commissioner said efforts were underway to improve the visa issuance process. Additional IT and security features have been introduced on the visa application website to help people apply directly without intermediaries.

He added that significant changes had been made in recent months, enabling many applicants to apply for and obtain Indian visas directly without relying on agents.

During the visit, Badhe praised Kumudini Hospital and other institutions established by Ranada Prasad Saha, noting the shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh and India.

“Bangladesh and India share much of their cultural heritage. Durga Puja celebrations in our countries are also quite similar,” he said.

Earlier in the evening, Mahabir Pati Chandan, director of Kumudini Welfare Trust, welcomed Badhe to the Kumudini campus. Among those present were Abdul Halim, principal of Kumudini Women’s Medical College, and Animesh Bhowmik, deputy director of Kumudini Hospital.

After visiting Kumudini Library, Badhe crossed the Louhajang River by boat to visit the Durga Puja mandap at Ranada Prasad Saha’s ancestral home. He watched the arati performed by students of Bharateswari Homes.

Kumudini Welfare Trust Managing Director Rajib Prasad Saha, Director Sreemati Saha and Kumudini Hospital Director Pradip Kumar Roy were also present.