Dhaka: Bangladesh has urged the Singapore government to ease and speed up the visa process for its citizens.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam made the request when non-resident High Commissioner of Singapore Chan Heng Wing met him at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, reported UNB.

During the meeting, they discussed the issue of recent deportation of 26 Bangladesh nationals from Singapore allegedly for being radicalised, according to the Foreign Ministry here.

The State Minister, while reiterating government’s firm policy of ‘zero tolerance’ towards all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, informed the High Commissioner that Bangladesh took the matter seriously, and a thorough investigation and due legal process are well in course.

He affirmed that Bangladeshi nationals living in Singapore are law-abiding and peace-loving ones, and Bangladesh will not allow a few derailed people to taint the image of the community.

Shahriar also appreciated the confidence building measures undertaken by the Singapore government immediately after the deportation.

The High Commissioner of Singapore expressed satisfaction over the action taken by the government of Bangladesh and hoped that both countries will continue to work together to combat any form of terrorism in the days ahead.

He also hailed the contribution of Bangladeshi workers in the development of Singapore and ensured that misdeeds of few would not be able to overshadow positive image of the community and particularly this isolated case will not lead to discrimination against Bangladeshi community.

Highlighting the invest-friendly environment and opportunities in Bangladesh, Shahriar invited more Singaporean investors to come to and invest in Bangladesh.

Referring to the opportunities for direct investment in the 100 Economic Zones which are being established by the government and private sector, the junior minister suggested that Singapore could come forward to take advantage of the initiative.

He assured that any investment proposal from Singapore in the Economic Zones would be given a high priority.

At the meeting, both the State Minister and the High Commissioner expressed satisfaction at the existing excellent relations between the two countries, and hoped that the ties would further deepen in the areas of mutual benefits.

They recalled the successful holding of the second Foreign Office

Consultations (FOC) between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries in Singapore in October 2015 that contributed significantly in enhancing understanding and cooperation between the two governments.

The State Minister thanked Singapore for investing in the two ongoing Power Plants in Sirajganj and in Matarbari, Cox’s Bazar.