GUWAHATI, June 19 � The Assam Government has disapproved of the Centre�s idea to issue entry to Bangladeshi nationals, especially children and senior citizens, to the Indian territory sans visa.
The Centre had asked the State Government whether such possibilities can be explored. This was informed by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while talking to mediapersons here this afternoon.
The State Government has also objected to the idea of facilitating multiple visits for Bangladeshi nationals on the strength of a single visa, as proposed by the External Affairs Ministry to boost ties with the neighbouring country.
Gogoi, however, said that he had endorsed the Centre�s plan to start river transit facilities with Bangladesh and also begin a bus service connecting Shillong-Guwahati-Dhaka.
�We also want Bangladesh to develop. But under the existing scenario, entry without visa or multiple visits on the basis of a single visa would further aggravate the situation for Assam,� Gogoi said, adding that the Centre had asked the State Government if the possibility of visa-less entry to Bangladeshi nationals below 18 years of age and above 60 years could be explored, which he disapproved.
�The Centre had sought my opinion on these issues ahead of the Prime Minister�s tour of Bangladesh and I have already replied,� he stated.
He said that the proposed steps (entry sans visa) could have a detrimental effect on a number of concerns including those related to security and illegal influx.
Gogoi was also against issuing of work permit to Bangladeshis.
