State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said that India is eager to maintain relations with Bangladesh’s new government, assuring that visa services will soon return to normal.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, the minister said: “The Indian government has expressed its interest in renewing ties with Bangladesh. They have indicated that visa services will be normalized. I believe restoring visa policies is essential to facilitate business, trade, people-to-people contacts, and medical travel. They have assured us of this, and I am confident it will happen.”
On the issue of human trafficking to Libya, Shama Obaed Islam emphasized the importance of legal travel. “We want our citizens to travel legally to all countries. The problem arises with human traffickers who exploit people. Bangladeshi nationals can travel to Libya and other countries legally, but we must act against unscrupulous individuals,” she said.
Addressing the topic of fuel imports from Russia, the minister noted the impact of US sanctions. “Since sanctions are in place on Russia, US approval naturally becomes a factor.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in discussion with the Ministry of Energy, and talks are ongoing with Russia. If the Energy Ministry requires any support, the Foreign Ministry will provide it,” she added.
Shama Obaed Islam also reassured that Bangladesh currently has adequate fuel reserves, with efforts underway to increase them further. “Due to the ongoing war, some oil import sources are restricted, so alternative sources are being explored. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing necessary support to the Ministry of Energy in this regard,” she said.
Looking ahead, the state minister confirmed that fuel shipments from India and Saudi Arabia are expected next month, with additional imports planned from Malaysia and Indonesia. “Continuous coordination is ongoing with the Energy Ministry to procure fuel from wherever possible,” she added.