India and Bangladesh signed Agreements on Extradition and Visa Regime

India and Bangladesh on 28 January 2013 signed two landmark agreements on extradition of criminals and terrorists and liberalising the visa regime. However, refusal provisions were incorporated into the extradition treaty. If extradition of someone poses a threat to national security, a nation has the right to refuse the deportation request.  Moreover, no political detainee will be brought under the purview of the  extradition treaty. In case of a controversy during an extradition process, the matter will be resolved according to the laws of the country concerned.

The other agreement has provision for a friendlier visa regime for citizens of Bangladesh. Businessmen will be provided a five-year, multiple-entry visa. Those travelling on medical grounds will be eligible for a two-year, multiple-entry visa, which could be extended for one more year. Three attendants of a patient will also be given visa. Until now, India was granting Bangladeshi tourists visas for up to six months and had allowed one person to accompany a patient.