The government has taken necessary steps to swiftly repatriate the bodies of two Bangladeshi students of at the University of South Florida, who were killed in Florida in the United States, foreign minister Khalilur Rahman told Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday.

Responding to a question from lawmaker AE Sultan Mahmud Babu, the minister, in his written response, said that Bangladeshi missions in Washington, DC, and the consulate general in Florida had been working on the issue.

He said that the government was overseeing the process to ensure that the bodies were sent to Bangladesh as quickly as possible, while all legal formalities were being completed.

Khalilur said that ensuring the safety of Bangladeshis living abroad was a top priority.

He said that efforts were underway to make Bangladeshi missions abroad places of support and trust for expatriates, rather than just administrative offices.

Consular services had also been strengthened, especially for Bangladeshis in conflict-affected regions, including assistance with evacuation and safe return.

The minister said that embassies had been instructed to respond quickly to any incidents involving Bangladeshi citizens abroad, working closely with the local law enforcement agencies.

The government, he said, continued diplomatic efforts at both local and international levels to protect its citizens overseas.

In response to another question from lawmaker Sheikh Mujibur Iqbal, the foreign minister said that visa procedures for Bangladeshis travelling to India were expected to become easier soon, with the current delays likely to be resolved.

He said that Bangladesh’s relations with India and other South Asian neighbours were based on friendship, mutual respect and shared history.

The government was working to strengthen these ties while protecting national interests, minister said.

Khalilur said that during his recent visit to India, he held productive discussions with senior officials, including India’s foreign minister and national security adviser.

Bangladesh urged the resumption of normal visa processing for travel and business purposes.

He expressed confidence that these discussions would lead to positive changes in visa services in the near future.