Dhaka for positive, forward-looking engagement

Bangladesh has reiterated its policy of pursuing a forward-looking and mutually respectful relationship with India, while New Delhi has indicated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit will take place when both sides find a mutually convenient time.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Tuesday described the overall state of Bangladesh-India relations as “absolutely positive” and said there was no need to rush the Prime Minister’s visit.

“Our invitation is open. I don’t think there is a need for a hurry.
Everything is very positive. But we must give due time,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Trivedi made the remarks after paying a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, with whom he discussed issues of mutual interest.

Kobir underscored Bangladesh’s commitment to working with India in a “forward-looking and mutually respectful” manner on issues of mutual interest and for the benefit of the people.

Trivedi said he was confident that the political leadership of both countries would find a suitable time for further engagement.

“Whenever the Prime Ministers of both sides find it convenient, I am sure things will happen,” he said.

Acknowledging that political considerations remained on both sides, the Indian envoy said they should not overshadow the broader bilateral relationship.

“There is no question about anything like it. I am positive, the state minister is positive, and the people of Bangladesh are positive. Everything is possible,” Trivedi said.

He described his meeting with Kobir as open and positive, saying they had developed a good working relationship.

He described the state minister as “very upright, very frank and very open” and said Kobir was receptive to discussions on issues of mutual interest.

Trivedi said the meeting was primarily a courtesy call to congratulate Kobir on his appointment and convey greetings from the Indian High Commission and the Indian government.

“It was purely a courtesy meeting – I was happy to congratulate [him] from the High Commissioner’s side, from India’s side, and I also sent the greetings to the Prime Minister through him,” he said.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent engagements in New York, Trivedi said, “He had great meetings in New York.”

The two sides also discussed bilateral, regional and international issues, including the recently concluded 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The latest exchange follows India’s renewed expression of interest in developing relations with Bangladesh through dialogue and established diplomatic mechanisms.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week that New Delhi wanted a “positive, constructive and forward-looking” relationship with Dhaka and was ready to discuss all bilateral issues through existing structured mechanisms.

“Our intent is to take this relationship forward in a positive direction, in a constructive direction, in a forward-looking manner,” Jaiswal said.

The two countries have recently increased high-level diplomatic contacts amid discussions over the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to India.

The timing of the visit, however, has not been fixed, with both sides indicating that it will be determined through mutual consultation.