Cross-border movement of passengers through land ports has been relaxed, considering the Covid-19 scenario in Bangladesh and the region.

With the lifting of the restrictions Thursday, passengers travelling to Bangladesh through land ports will no longer be required to obtain any objection certificate (NOC) from Bangladesh missions abroad.

Also, passengers exiting from the country through land ports will not be required to provide prior intimation to the concerned Bangladesh authorities before their exit.  

The regular immigration hours and days will resume with immediate effect at the currently operational six land ports – Benapole, Akhaura, Sonamasjid, Hili, Darshana and Burimari – for cross border movement of passengers. 

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Also, five more land ports or land customs stations – Sheola, Tamabil, Bhomra, Birol and Banglabandha – will be opened for the movement of passengers Sunday.

An inter-ministerial meeting presided over by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen recently recommended the relaxation of the restrictions that had been in place since April 26 this year for cross border movement of passengers through land ports. 

The approved categories of foreign nationals allowed to travel to Bangladesh and the health-related protocol to be maintained during the cross border movement through land ports have been stipulated in the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the Security Services Division (SSD). 

Bangladesh looks forward to the greater collaboration with the neighbouring countries to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Thursday. 

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The gradual resumption of the regular mechanism of cross border movement is the reflection of the successful management of the Covid-19 situation by the concerted efforts of the authorities of Bangladesh and the neighbouring countries. 

The restrictions were imposed to ensure greater public health security both in Bangladesh and beyond. 

Concerned authorities of Bangladesh will remain vigilant and continue the assessment of the overall impacts of the new decisions and review decisions, if necessary, said the MoFA.