Interim government orders ‘prompt’ visa issuance to journalists ‘willing’ to visit Bangladesh

The interim government has issued directives to its foreign missions to expedite the visa approval process for journalists who wish to visit Bangladesh for news coverage.

Representing the press wing of the chief advisor, Shafiqul Alam wrote on Facebook on Saturday: “We have asked foreign missions to quickly approve visas to journalists who would like to visit Bangladesh.”

The officials of Bangladeshi missions, particularly in New Delhi and Hong Kong, have been instructed to expedite the visa application of journalists, Shafiqul wrote.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi rang Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Friday and both leaders discussed the current situation in Bangladesh during the phone call.

While discussing the security of minorities in Bangladesh, the chief advisor told the Indian prime minister that reports of attacks on minorities were ‘exaggerated’. He urged Indian media to visit Bangladesh and report from the ground on minority protection.

Pointing to the issue on Saturday, Shafiqul wrote, “It’s better to do a report by looking at the situation yourself instead of using secondary sources.

"Anyone willing to report on Bangladesh and the activities of the interim government is welcome."

Sheikh Hasina fled to India after her government fell in the wake of an antigovernment movement on Aug 5.