Bangladeshis not getting visas due to systemic failures: Foreign adviser

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today (5 February) said he is not willing to take personal responsibility for the ongoing problem of Bangladeshis being denied visas, describing it instead as a failure of the country's overall system.

Speaking to journalists at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain said the issue cannot be blamed on a single institution or individual. "I am not prepared to accept this responsibility as the foreign affairs adviser. This is the responsibility of the country and the entire system. It is not solely the responsibility of the foreign ministry, nor mine personally," he said.

He noted that while there are numerous opportunities abroad, Bangladesh has failed to benefit from them due to its own weaknesses. Referring to widespread document fraud, he said credibility remains a major concern in securing visas and international approvals. "We are fully responsible for not getting visas. The Chief Adviser himself has said we are champions of forgery. If you engage in fraud, why would anyone trust your documents?" he added.

Touhid said visas, university admissions and other international clearances depend heavily on reliable documentation, stressing that ensuring authenticity is Bangladesh's responsibility. Highlighting an example, he said, "If a woman goes abroad for a job as a maid, but her visa states she is a front office manager, imagine the level of deception involved."

He warned that the situation could worsen if systemic problems are not addressed. "Unless we fix our internal systems, this issue will persist. Even tougher times may lie ahead," he said.