"VISA REQUIREMENTS for BANGLADESHI CITIZEN to VISIT SAARC COUNTRIES"
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
"VISA FORMALITIES for BANGLADESHI CITIZEN to VISIT INDIA"
There are six Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC) managed by State Bank of India in Bangladesh. These are located at Gulshan( Dhaka), Motijheel (Dhaka), Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi.
- Holders of Bangladeshi passports who are residing in other divisions of Bangladesh except Chittagong division and Rajshahi division may apply for visa with IVAC, Gulshan (Dhaka) / IVAC, Motijheel (Dhaka) / IVAC, Sylhet / IVAC, Khulna. Holders who are residents of Chittagong divisions may apply for visa with IVAC, Chittagong. Bangladeshi nationals residing in Rajshahi division may apply for visa with IVAC, Rajshahi.
- Other foreign nationals can apply for visa at IVAC,Gulshan, Dhaka and at Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong.
- There is no visa fee for Bangladeshi passport holders applying for Indian visa.
- Other foreign nationals are required to pay visa fee unless they are exempt from payment of visa fee under orders of Government of India.
- All persons applying for visa at any IVAC in Bangladesh is required to pay Visa Processing Fee (VPF).
Your Visa application is liable to be rejected if you:-
- Suffer from any life threatening contagious disease.
- Suffer from mental illness and travelling to India for purposes other than medical treatment.
- are addicted to or have trafficked in narcotics.
- have been convicted for or have criminal charges outstanding in any country.
- have been deported or expelled from any country.
- have submitted insufficient/incomplete/ false documents
- are found to be in possession of unauthorised travel documents
- have suppressed any material information
- or any other grounds as in the opinion of concerned authorities that would render the applicant ineligible for visa, not necessarily to be conveyed to the applicant orally or to be recorded in writing.
Conditions for entry into India:
- Your entry into India even after holding a valid visa may be prohibited if the visa was obtained by false representation or by concealment of relevant facts, whether or not you were aware of those facts.
- A change in circumstances has occurred between the date of your application and the date of your arrival in India.
- An immigration officer can ask anyone to be medically examined on arrival in India, if he considers it necessary.
- You must not undertake employment or formal study/research in India unless employment visa or appropriate visa is granted to you.
- You must leave India on expiry of the authorised period of stay unless the period is extended by the concerned authority in India.
- You must register yourself with the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in case your stay in India exceeds a period of six months for all categories of visas except medical/ medical attendant visas. For medical / medical attendant visas, registration with nearest FRRO within 14 days of arrival in India is mandatory.
- or any other grounds as in the opinion of concerned authorities that would render the applicant ineligible for entry to India, not necessarily to be conveyed to the person orally or recorded in writing.
Diplomatic/ Official Passport Holders / UN Personnel:
Holders of Diplomatic Passports issued by Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh do not require visa to travel to India and stay in India upto 30 days.
The following categories of applicants may apply for visa online and submit their online visa applications in person or through authorised representative at the High Commission of India, Dhaka between 1000 hrs to 1300 hrs on working days. The applicants must select a date of appointment on online and such applications will be admitted even if the date of appointment falls later than the date of submitting the application at the High Commission.
(i) Officials of Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh travelling to India for official purpose- Their applications must be accompanied by Note Verbal from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh.
(ii) Diplomatic /Official Passport holders of other Countries (who are otherwise required to obtain visa for travel to India) travelling to India for official purpose - Their applications must be accompanied by a Note Verbal from the respective Diplomatic Mission.
(iii) Personnel working in United Nations and other International organisations travelling to India for official purpose- Their applications must be accompanied by a Note Verbal from the respective Office.
Where to apply for Visa?
Indian Visa Application Centre (Gulshan, Dhaka)
" Lake View "
House # 12, Road # 137, Gulshan-1
Dhaka -1212, Bangladesh.
Tel: 00-88-02-9893006, 8833632
Fax: 00-88-02-9863229
Email:info@ivacbd.com
Cell: 0171 3389499
Website:www.ivacbd.com
Receipt of application: 08.00-13.00 hrs
VPF(Per applicant): BDT 400
Delivery of passport(On specifed date): 16.00 hrs-19.30 hrs
Indian Visa Application Centre (Motijheel, Dhaka)
State Bank of India
Shadharon Bima Bhaban, 24-25, Dilkusha C/A,
Tel: 00-88-02-9553371, 9554251
Fax: 00-88-02-9563991
Email: info@ivacbd.com
Website: www.ivacbd.com
Receipt of application: 08.00-13.00hrs
VPF(Per applicant): BDT 400
Delivery of passport(On specifed date): 16.00 hrs-19.30 hrs
Indian Visa Application Centre (Chittagong)
2111, Zakir Hossain Road, Habib Lane,
Opposite Holy Crescent Hospital, Chittaghong
Tel :00-88 -031-2551100
Fax: 00-88-031-2524492
E-mail : ivacctg@colbd.com
Website : www.ivacbd.com
Receipt of application:08.00-11.00hrs
VPF(Per applicant): BDT 400
Delivery of passport(On specifed date):16.00-17.00 hrs
Indian Visa Application Centre (Sylhet)
State Bank of India
Roseview Complex, Shahjalal Upashahar, Sylhet-3100
Tel: 00-88-0821 - 719273
Fax: 00-88-0821-719932
E-mail: info@ivacbd.com
Website : www.ivacbd.com
Receipt of application:10.00hrs-14.00 hrs
VPF(Per applicant):BDT 600
Delivery of passport(On specifed date):15.00-1.600 hrs
Indian Visa Application Receiving Centre (Khulna)
Dr. Motiar Rahman Tower,64, KDA Avenue, KDA Commercial Area,
Banking Zone, Khulna-9100.
Tel: 00-88-041-2833893
Fax: 00-88-041-2832493
E-mail: info@ivacbd.com
Website : www.ivacbd.com
Receipt of application: 09.00-13.00 hrs
VPF(Per applicant):BDT 600
Delivery of passport(On specifed date):16.00-18.00 hrs
Indian Visa Application Centre , (Rajshahi)
Morium Ali Tower,
Holding No-18, Plot No-557, 1ST Floor,
Old Bilsimla, Greater Road,
Barnali More, 1ST Floor, Ward No-10,Rajshahi.
Tel: 88-0721-812534, 88-0721-812535
Website : www.ivacbd.com
E-mail: info.rajshahi@ivacbd.com
VPF(Per applicant): BDT 400
Delivery of passport(On specifed date): 16.00 hrs-17.30 hrs.
GENERAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA
Please note that your application should be submitted with the following documents:
- Passport, in original, with a minimum validity of six months as on the date of submission of application for visa. The passport should have at least two blank pages. Copy of the passport (first four pages and endorsement of extension of validity if any) should be attached. All old passports must be submitted with the application form.
- One recent (not less than 3 months old) passport-size colour photograph depicting full face;
- Proof of Residence: A copy of National ID Card and Utility Bill such as electricity, telephone, gas or water bill.
- Proof of Profession: Certificate from the employer. In case of students, copy of Identity card from the educational institution is to be attached.
- Proof of Financial soundness: Endorsement of foreign currency equivalent to US$150/- per applicant and/or copy of international credit card and/or updated bank statement, as the case may be, showing sufficient balance to finance travel."
- Online Visa Application form which has both BGDD Registration No. and date of appointment with time.
For Business Visa:
Documents required In addition to general documents, the application should be supported by: (i) Name, address and contact numbers of applicant's business establishment in Bangladesh; (ii) a letter from the sponsoring organisation/company from India; (iii) letter of recommendation from a recognised Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh; (iv) a copy of the Letter of Credit pertaining either to the last business transaction or the impending business transaction with an Indian company; (v) a copy of Trade Licence.
For Student Visa:
Remarks : Prospective students
Documents required : General documents plus (i) evidence of admission to the Institute/Course in a recognized University / Board in India; (ii) Guarantee from parents/guardian, through the authorized Bank to the effect that the applicant has enough financial resources to support studies in India and that bank will remit the required foreign exchange on behalf of the parent/guardian; (iii) Photocopies of relevant academic certificates on the basis of which admission is sought or has been obtained.
Documents required : General documents plus (i) evidence of admission to the Institute/Course in a recognized University / Board in India; (ii) Guarantee from parents/guardian, through the authorized Bank to the effect that the applicant has enough financial resources to support studies in India and that bank will remit the required foreign exchange on behalf of the parent/guardian; (iii) Photocopies of relevant academic certificates on the basis of which admission is sought or has been obtained.
For Medical Visa:
Remarks : Persons visiting India to get medical treatment.
Documents required : General documents and (i) Medical certificate, in original, from recognized hospitals/ doctors indicating in detail the medical condition of the patient; (ii) Recommendation from the attending doctor for availing treatment abroad in case of first visit; (iii) recommendation from the attending doctor in India in case of continued treatment in India; (iv) In case of hospitalization or long term treatment, proof of financial resources, as indicated below, may be sought: (a) Bank statements for last 6 months. (b) Solvency certificate from Bank.
Documents required : General documents and (i) Medical certificate, in original, from recognized hospitals/ doctors indicating in detail the medical condition of the patient; (ii) Recommendation from the attending doctor for availing treatment abroad in case of first visit; (iii) recommendation from the attending doctor in India in case of continued treatment in India; (iv) In case of hospitalization or long term treatment, proof of financial resources, as indicated below, may be sought: (a) Bank statements for last 6 months. (b) Solvency certificate from Bank.
Visa Fee:
- There is no visa fee for Bangladeshi passport holders applying for Indian visa.
- Other foreign nationals are required to pay visa fee unless they are exempt from payment of visa fee under orders of Government of India.
- All persons applying for visa at any IVAC in Bangladesh is required to pay Visa Processing Fee(VPF) as per rates indicated below.
GRATIS VISA - Nationals of Bangladesh, Afghanistan , Argentina , Jamaica , Maldives, DPR Korea, Mauritius, South Africa and Uruguay are to be issued visa gratis.No fee shall be charged from the nationals of these countries for Protected /Restricted Area permit. (PAP/RAP).
| Indian Visa Application Centre | Visa Processing Fee (In Taka) per application |
|---|---|
| Gulshan, Dhaka | 400 |
| Motijheel, Dhaka | 400 |
| Chittagong | 400 |
| Sylhet | 600 |
| Khulna | 600 |
| Rajshahi | 400 |
For more information, please visit the following link:
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
"FAIRS & FESTIVALS of BANGLADESH"
Bangladesh is a country where colorful fairs and festivals are held throughout the year in a befitting manner and with great zeal and zest. With changes in social and economic structures, the nature of festivals also changes, but some festivals are so deeply rooted in the social organism that they continue to entertain people from generation to generation. Some of the festivals bear the mark of the community and nation, some have the stamp of religion, and again some bear the impress of politics.
Festivals, which evolved in the primitive society out of the prayer for food, have now become varied and colorful. The main foundation of festivals is ritual and most of the ancient rituals were collective activities. Many of the rituals were related to agriculture and their dates were determined according to the lunar calendar. The ancient rituals were magical processes to tame supernatural powers; in subsequent cultures, this characteristic feature was usually retained. The spontaneous agro-based ancient festivals lost their spontaneity with the passage of time and became more formal.
Festivals, which evolved in the primitive society out of the prayer for food, have now become varied and colorful. The main foundation of festivals is ritual and most of the ancient rituals were collective activities. Many of the rituals were related to agriculture and their dates were determined according to the lunar calendar. The ancient rituals were magical processes to tame supernatural powers; in subsequent cultures, this characteristic feature was usually retained. The spontaneous agro-based ancient festivals lost their spontaneity with the passage of time and became more formal.
There is no reliable information about the historical origin of fairs but researchers claim that they started about 3000 years back. It is certain, though, that the early fairs expressed the collective joy of the ancient people. Today fairs are a mix of tradition and modernity. Some of the major fairs are described below.
EID-UL-FITR & EID-UL-AZHA:
The main Muslim festivals are Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. From time to time folk culture has influenced these festivals, as a result of which the original religious practices have changed. Eid-ul-Fitr is observed after the end of the month of Ramadan.
Eid is a day of joy and merriment for children
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated in Bangladesh with great devotion. Everyone tries to dress well and prepares special dishes according to their ability on this day. Relatives and neighbours also share the joys of this festival with each other.
Eid fairs are organized at many rural places. These fairs are basically gatherings that promote friendship among the rural people. The fairs are arranged on the bank of a nearby river or under a big banyan tree near the local bazar. Handicraft items and foodstuffs such as chira, muri, khai, manda and sweets are sold in the fairs. Nakshi pankha, dolls, decorated pottery as well as musical instruments such as flute, drum, ektara are also sold. Some fairs have merry-go-rounds, puppet shows and bioscopes. In some areas of riverine Bangladesh, boat races are organized.
The main feature of Eid-ul-Azha is the sacrifice of animals, especially cows and oxen. Many people in the villages sacrifice domestically raised cows or goats. The majority of the professionals in towns sacrifice cows on a share basis. The well to do sacrifice cows or goats or both animals on their own.
Eid for the common people means meeting family members and friends, buying new clothes and preparing delicious food on the Eid day.
DURGA PUJA:
The biggest religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh is the festival of Durga Puja. Hindus participate in this festival with great devotion. Durga Puja is an old festival but it is difficult to say with any degree of certainty exactly how old it is.
The oldest manifestation of goddess Durga, who slew the Mahisasura, belonged to the fifteenth century AD. A series of festivals, centering on Durga Puja, is held in Bangladesh. Usually, on the sixth lunar day
Immersion of Devi Durga
of the bright fortnight in the Bengali month of Ashwin, the ceremonial awakening of the goddess Durga takes place. Thereafter, Puja is performed for three days on the seventh, eighth and ninth and the immersion of the image of the goddess Durga (with her companions) takes place on the tenth day. People exchange greetings during a period of fifteen days after the immersion of the image of the deity.
On the following full-moon day, Laksmi Puja takes place. Before that, on the new moon day usually in the month of Kartik, Kali Puja is performed. Then, on the last day oi the Bengali month of Kartik, Kartik Puja (worship of god Kartik who is the commander-in-chief of heavenly forces) is performed.
On the fifth lunar day of the bright fortnight in the Bengali month of Magh, Saraswati Puja (the Hindu goddess of learning and music) is held. It is particularly popular among the students. The series of Pujas, which starts in Ashwin with Durga, comes to an end with Saraswati.
The celebration of Janmastami (lord Krishna's birthday) is an old festival of this region, particularly of Dhaka City. In almost all the regions of the subcontinent, this day is observed in some Manner as a religious festival. Janmastami is celebrated in Dhaka with special pomp and grandeur.
BUDDHA PURNIMA, BAISAKHI PURNIMA & CHRISTMAS DAY:
Apart from the Hindus, there are also two other minority religions communities in Bangladesh, viz., the Christians and the Buddhists, who observe religious festivals of their own.
The main festival of the Buddhists is Buddha Purnima or Baisakhi Purnima. The birth of Buddha, his adoption of asceticism, attainment of supreme enlightenment, nirvana - all these occurred on the full-moon lunar day in the month of Baisakh and as a result this is themost important and solemn festival of the Buddhists. Baisakhi Purnima is celebrated in Bangladesh with great splendour.
Christians observe their main religious festival, Christmas day, on 25 December on the occasion of Jesus's Birthday. The main components of this festival are special prayers offered in churches, arrangement of feasts and offering of gifts among friends and relatives.
PAHELA BAISAKH:
Celebrations of Pahela Baisakh started from Emperor Akbar's reign. It was customary to clear up all the year's dues on the last day of Chaitra (the twelfth month of the Bengali calendar). On the following day, or the first day of the new year, landlords would entertain their tenants with sweets. On this occasion fairs used to be organized there.
In due course the occasion became part of domestic and social life, and turned into a day of merriment. New year's festivities are closely linked with rural life in Bengal. Usually on the day everything is thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. People bathe early in the morning and dress in fine clothes and go to visit relatives, friends and neighbours. Special foods are prepared to entertain guests. Baisakhi Melas are arranged in many parts of the country.
Various agricultural products, traditional. handicrafts, toys, cosmetics as well as various kinds of food and sweets are sold at these fairs. The fairs also provide entertainment, with singers and dancers staging Jatra, Pala gan, Kavigan, Jarigan, Gambhira Gan, Gazir Gan and Alkap Gan. Artistes present folk songs as well as Baul, marfati, Murshidi and Bhatiali songs.
Pahela Baisakh - the first day of Banglad Calender heralded at a musical function arranged at dawn at Ramna Park
The most colourful New Year's Day festival takes place in Dhaka. Large numbers of people gather early in the morning under the Banyan Tree at Ramna Park where Chhayanat artistes open the day with Tagore's famous song, Eso he Baisakh eso eso (Come O Baisakh, come come . .).
A similar ceremony welcoming the new year is also held at the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University . Students and teachers of the Institute take out a colourful procession and parade round the campus.
Artistes present songs to welcome the New Year. People from all walks of life wear traditional Bengali dress: young women wear white sari with red borders and adorn themselves with bangles, flowers and tips. Men wear white pyjamas and panjabi. Many townspeople start the day with the traditional breakfast of panta bhat (cooked rice soaked with water overnight), green chillies, onion and fried Hilsa fish.
Special programmes are broadcast and telecast on radio and television and special supplements are brought out by the newspapers.
Selling traditional food items at Baisakhi Mela
Baisakhi Mela is the mirror of our traditional culture. It is presumed that it was started about 600 years back. The number of about 600 years back. The number of Baisakhi Melas celebrated in different parts of Bangladesh is around 300-350.
Though Baisakhi Melas are organised in a planned way in almost all cities of the country, originally they were very much rural based. Traditional handicrafts, hand-made cakes, special kinds of food stuff, sweets, potteries, bangles, pitchers and cane products are the main exhibits.
The Baisakhi Mela is an ancient form of Bengali folk festival that continues to thrive in the modern age. It continues for three days, one week or even as long as one month.
AMOR EKUSHEY GRONTHO MELA (BOOK FAIR):
Amor Ekushey February is a historic day for the Bengali nation. On that day five valiant sons of this country laid down their lives to win recognition for Bangla as a State language.
On 21st February of 1952 a massive procession was taken out, led by the Students Union of Dhaka University and people from all walks of life joined spontaneously to protest against the declaration of Urdu as the sole State language of Pakistan. The police opened fire on the demonstrators when they reached the location of the present Shahid Minar. As a result, five people were killed and several others injured.
Bangladesh is the only country in the world whose people fought for their mother tongue and dedicated their lives to have it recognized as a State language. For the above reason during 1996-97, UNESCO recognized 21st February as the International Mother Language Day.
To commemorate this great day, a Grontho Mela or book fair was started on a small scale in 1974 and it was officially recognized in 1978. After the publishers' and booksellers' organization came together as a cooperative force in organizing the book fair, its popularity increased at a quick pace from 1989. The number of buyers and readers increased in the same manner.
Now the Mela begins on 1st February and continues till the end of the month and it is the most popular fair in Bangladesh.
BAISABI FESTIVAL:
Baisabi is the main social festival of the indigenous people living in the hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari. This festival is celebrated by the Chakma and Tanchyanga as "Biju", by Marmas as "Shangrai", Tripuras as "Baisuk" or "Baisu".
Biju is a festival celebrated by the Chakmas and Tanchyangas for three consecutive days- the last two days of Chaitra and the first day of Baisakh. They never kill any living creature during these three days.
Tag-of-war, a traditional game during Baisabi Festival
They celebrate the last day of Chaitra as the main festival day. On this special day they cook a mixed curry with five types of vegetables, which they call Pachan. In the afternoon the teenagers play traditional games like Ghila and Bou-chi. Gaijja-Paijja means going for the somersault on the ground and is practised by the tribal boys and girls during the first day of Baisakh as part of the New Year festival.
The Marinas celebrate Shangrai for four days. They all carry the image of Lord Buddha to the river front and set down the image on a floating bed. Afterwards, they complete the bathing of the image in milk or sandalwood water and return with it to set it in the Temple or in their homes. In every locality, the water throwing festival starts with people throwing water at each other so that the previous year's sorrow will be washed away. The Baisuk festival of the Tripura tribe is celebrated by worshipping the god Shiva and asking for his blessings.
RASH MELA:
Dubla Rash Mela is not only a big fair for Bagerhat, it is undoubtedly one of the biggest fairs in the country. At the centre of the festival are twenty thousand temporary fishermen who are engaged in catching and drying fish on Dubla and nearby islands. In the Bangla month of Agrahayan every year, the fair continues for 5-7 days during full moon time.
Dubla Rash Mela is not only a big fair for Bagerhat, it is undoubtedly one of the biggest fairs in the country. At the centre of the festival are twenty thousand temporary fishermen who are engaged in catching and drying fish on Dubla and nearby islands. In the Bangla month of Agrahayan every year, the fair continues for 5-7 days during full moon time.
Dubla island stands on the Bay of Bengal and is a part of the Sundarban Forest. The fair on the Dubla island was started in 1923 by Hari Bhajan, a disciple of Thakur Hari Chand, The life of Hari Bhajan was very extraordinary. During his stay in Sundarbans for twenty four years, he lived on the fruits of the forest. He had many disciples in nearby villages. One of his notable works was to start the Dubla Rash Mela during the Rash Purnima. To celebrate the occasion and keep alive the memory of Thakur Hari Chand, the devotees, especially the fishermen of the Sundarbans, organise this five-day fair.
This has become a grand occasion for many foreign tourists visiting the Sundarbans and people come from India as well. Around 40-50 thousand people join the celebrations every year. Handicrafts and precious wooden items are put on sale.
KOTHIN CHIBOR DAN:
'Kothin Chibor Dan' is a Buddhist ceremony on which occasion 'viksus' are given 'chibor' or cloth to wear. Buddhists believe that this is the best of all gifts. Chibor, the cloth that viksus wear, may be of any six colours: those of a tree's roots, trunk, bark, dry leaves, fruit or flower.
However, the viksu community prefer to wear cloth the colour of red flowers, as it is different from the cloth that ordinary people wear and also because it does not have attractive designs. According to Raja Barrister Debashish Roy, Circle Chief of Chakma community, Kothin Chibor Dan develops social harmony, creates cooperation and teaches the people how to improve friendship among themselves.
Elaborate programmes are chalked out on the occasion, including Buddha. Puja, Ful Puja, Sibli Puja, Feeding the Monks, Astaporiskardan, taking Panchshil and Astashil and praying for world peace. The two-day long "Kothin Chibor Dan Utsab"-the greatest religious festival of the Buddhist community is celebrated with religious fervour at Rangamati Rajban Bihara in the Rangamati hill district.
The religious festival is organized by Rangamati Rajban Bihara Upasak Upasika Parishad. On the eve of the function Buddhist people from three hill districts begin gathering at Rangamati Rajban Bihara Area to participate in the festival.
Many visitors and tourists from home and abroad gather to enjoy the festival. Every year about four hundred thousand people of all communities from the three hill districts (Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati) in greater Chittagong Hill Tracts as well as from other parts of the country come to celebrate and enjoy this festival.
BAUL MELA:
On the occasion of Lalon Shah's birthday, the folk singers (Bauls) perform Lalon's songs, usually under a banyan tree or on the bank of a river near a village and a group of people organize a fair at the spot. Rural musical instruments, handicrafts, pottery, light snacks and household items are available in the fair which runs for three days or in some places one week or even longer than that.
At present, such fairs are also organized in urban areas and a good number of singers come from different parts of the country. Old and young, men and women, rich and poor participate in the fair with great enthusiasm.
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