|| Courtesy meeting with Indian Media Correspondents AssociationDiplomatic Correspondent: Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has assured that the Indian High Commission is looking into difficulties faced by Bangladeshi citizens in obtaining Indian visas, with particular attention to medical travellers and delays in securing appointment slots.The assurance came during a courtesy meeting with a delegation of the Indian Media Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (IMCAB), at the conference room of the Indian High Commission in Baridhara, Dhaka, at 11:30 am on Thursday, October 22.The delegation was led by IMCAB President Shaheen Chowdhury and included General Secretary Masum Billah and eight other executive committee members.During the meeting, IMCAB leaders highlighted the difficulties Bangladeshi applicants face in securing Indian visas, particularly the long waits for appointment slots after completing online applications. They also stressed the need to simplify visa procedures for patients seeking treatment in India.Responding to the concerns, High Commissioner Trivedi said the mission was examining the problems associated with the visa application process. He said initiatives were being taken to facilitate visas for patients travelling to India for medical treatment.The High Commissioner also said the Indian High Commission was trying to identify the reasons behind delays in obtaining appointments for submitting applications after online registration. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon.The assurance is significant for Bangladeshi citizens who travel to India for medical treatment, education, business and other purposes. India has long been an important destination for Bangladeshis seeking specialised healthcare, purchasing goods and services, and maintaining family and professional connections across the border.Visa-related difficulties can create additional financial and logistical burdens for applicants, particularly patients who require timely medical consultations and treatment. Long waits for appointment slots may also disrupt travel plans and increase uncertainty for families seeking healthcare abroad.While the High Commission's commitment to examining the problems offers hope for applicants, the practical impact will depend on how quickly the identified difficulties can be addressed and how effectively the visa application and appointment systems are improved.Emphasising the importance of stronger people-to-people relations, Trivedi said greater interaction between the citizens of Bangladesh and India would strengthen friendship and relations between the two countries.His remarks underscored the importance of facilitating travel as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties. Easier access to visas can help promote medical tourism, business exchanges, educational opportunities, family visits and cultural interaction, all of which contribute to closer engagement between neighbouring countries.The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with the High Commissioner personally exchanging greetings with each member of the IMCAB delegation and enquiring about their well-being.Other members of the delegation were Basudeb Dhar, Quddus Afrad, Mir Afroz Zaman, Abu Ali, Aminul Haque Bhuiyan, Nirmal Chakraborty, Zakir Hossain and Monir Hossain.First Secretary of the Indian High Commission Gokul VK was also present.The meeting provided an opportunity for the Bangladeshi media representatives to communicate public concerns directly to the Indian diplomatic mission. The High Commissioner's assurance has raised expectations that the difficulties surrounding visa appointments and medical travel will receive greater attention, helping make cross-border movement more accessible for ordinary citizens.