India has resumed issuing visas to Bangladesh citizens despite the number of Covid 19 cases rising in the South Asian nation.

“All applications except for tourist visas are being accepted,” Dhaka Tribune said. In view of the lifting of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, Indian Visa Application Centers in Bangladesh will resume operations from Wednesday.

The opening up has brought much relief to the traders from both sides, who have been impacted the most by the stringent Covid induced lockdown.

Also read: Bangladesh enters most severe lockdown

Meanwhile Dhaka has decided to lift the lockdown from August 11 though certain restrictions will be in place.

The Cabinet Division of the government of Bangladesh issued a notification on Sunday announcing the opening of shops, malls, offices, banks and financial institutions from 11 August after the current phase of the lockdown ends on Tuesday, August 10, All India Radio said. It added that public transport including railways, roads and waterways will start operating from Wednesday.

India-Bangladesh had closed their borders as the Covid 19 numbers surged.

The closure of borders along India and Bangladesh due to the Covid 19 pandemic has led to erosion of incomes for hundreds of villagers living in that region.

The border haats—four at present – two in Tripura and two in Meghalaya – have also been shut since March.