For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The government has decided to waive visa fees for foreign observers monitoring the 13th national election.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular on Monday regarding visa on arrival and other visa-related matters for foreign nationals, saying the waiver will be granted based on recommendations from the Election Commission.
The circular said prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs will be mandatory for the entry of foreign military and security personnel into Bangladesh, bdnews24.com reports.
The decisions were taken to ensure proper security for foreign nationals during their arrival, stay and departure while elections and referendums are being held.
According to the circular, Bangladesh missions and embassies abroad must issue visas in line with the Visa Policy 2006 and subsequent notifications, after duly verifying all required documents.
In the case of visa on arrival, authorities must thoroughly examine documents related to the purpose of visit, sponsoring organisation or individual, hotel or accommodation details, return ticket and other relevant papers before issuing visas. Visas must not be granted if any irregularity, discrepancy or suspicion arises.
The circular said that, following recommendations from the Election Commission (EC) and, where applicable, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Information, foreign observers and journalists arriving to monitor the 2026 parliamentary election and referendum will be issued visas on arrival stamped with the words “Election Observation” for the election period determined by the EC.
It also said a visa on arrival can be issued to election observers with visa fees waived, subject to EC recommendations.
The circular directed authorities to strengthen coordination among the Special Branch, intelligence agencies and law enforcing agencies deployed at international airports as well as land and sea ports during the issuance of visas and the arrival and departure of foreign nationals.
It further gave directives to the concerned authorities to ensure that complete information on all foreign nationals arriving in connection with the election is duly reported to the Ministry of Home Affairs.