Bangladesh’s Advisory Council has approved a bilateral agreement with Pakistan that will allow diplomats and government official passport holders from both countries to travel without visas.

The decision was taken on Thursday (August 21), during a council meeting chaired by the Chief Adviser, according to an official statement.

Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Adviser’s press secretary, announced the development at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy. 

He confirmed that the draft agreement for reciprocal visa exemption had received clearance.

Under the agreement, Bangladeshi diplomats and holders of official passports will be able to travel to Pakistan without visas. In return, Pakistani officials and diplomats with similar passports will enjoy the same facility when visiting Bangladesh.

Shafiqul Alam said that such arrangements are a routine practice in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. “We have signed similar agreements with 31 other countries,” he said.

The agreement is set to remain in force for a period of five years.

SMS/