Dhaka: India has opened six new Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Bangladesh, raising the total number of IVACs to 15, announced its High Commission here on Wednesday. 

The six new IVACs are in Thakurgaon and Bogura from January 6; and in Cumilla, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria and Satkhira from January 12, reports the UNB.

These new IVACs are being opened to further serve the needs and facilitate the access of Indian visas to Bangladesh nationals, residing in far-flung and remote areas of Bangladesh, said the High Commission. 

At present, there are nine fully functional IVACs in different parts of Bangladesh. 

The opening of more IVACs across Bangladesh and the provision of amenities, reflect the continuing efforts of the High Commission of India, in collaboration with its outsourced partner, the State Bank of India, to further streamline the Indian visa application process and strengthen people-to-people contacts between India and Bangladesh, the High Commission added.