The authorities inaugurated a new centre for processing applications for Bangladeshi visas in Siliguri on Wednesday.
The office, located at International Market on Sevoke Road near Panitanki More, will be run by the Kolkata-based DU Digital Global, reports The Telegraph.
The move comes amid plans made by the authorities of the two counties to start a train service between Dhaka and Siliguri.
Besides, there is also a plan to run buses between Bangladesh and Nepal via Siliguri under a motor vehicle agreement signed by the three countries.
“It is the only outsourced agency of the Bangladesh deputy high commission of Kolkata for accepting Bangladeshi visa applications from Indians and other foreign nationals,” a source told The Telegraph.
Officials said anyone seeking a visa for visiting Bangladesh can apply for the same at the centre as well as at a branch of Sonali Bank, also located on Sevoke Road.
Earlier, people from north Bengal had to go to Kolkata to collect visas.
“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 Rs825 for all categories of visas,” an official of DU Digital Global said.