Indian Assistant High Commissioner to Bangladesh Manoj Kumar has compared his country’s relationship with Bangladesh with that of brothers, emphasising joint efforts to help boost regional stability and progress.

He addressed a meeting with local businessmen and clearing and forwarding agents at the meeting room of Burimari Land Port in Patgram Upazila of Lalmonirhat on Saturday afternoon.

Citing the ties between the two nations as being very close and friendly, he said: “We are like brothers to each other.

“If the people and businessmen of the two countries work on the basis of mutual cooperation, the pace of peace and development in the region will further accelerate,” he said.

The Indian diplomat, who is now stationed in its Rajshahi mission, said connections and coordination of work between businessmen of the countries are continuously increasing.

Senior authorities of both countries are also satisfied with this progress, he said.

Regarding Indian visa complications, Manoj said: “The visa process has been simplified for Bangladeshi businessmen along with some special facilities.

“Visas up to a certain limit are being issued currently,” he maintained, saying India will further ease the visa issuance process.

The businessmen demanded lifting the ban on exporting certain products through the border crossing and eliminating complications in obtaining visas.

The assistant high commissioner assured them of looking into the demands and taking measures accordingly.