Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has called for keeping trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and India moving forward, saying such issues should not be held back by political developments.
Talking to reporters after a cultural programme in Dhaka on Friday evening, he said issues would continue to be discussed between the two countries, but issues such as the Maitree Express, the Ganges Water Treaty, trade and cultural exchanges should not be allowed to get stuck.
“These are the things of ordinary people," said the High Commissioner, highlighting the importance of keeping the people at the centre.
The High Commissioner said trade restrictions from both sides have to be liberalised. Otherwise, he noted, the people will suffer.
He said there is no need to rush and the political process will take its own course. But the work that concerns ordinary people must continue, Trivedi said.
Trivedi was speaking about the importance of peace and harmony in the region and beyond, referring to the teachings of Lalon Fakir and the traditions of Buddhism and Sufism.
“The world is facing a lot of unrest at this moment. When I talk about the lamp and the lighthouse, I am not talking only about Bangladesh or India; I am talking about the entire subcontinent,” he said.
The High Commissioner said the region's diverse religious and spiritual traditions could contribute to the cause of global peace.
“There is Buddhism here, there is Sufism, and all religions are the same. We can all live together and work together for peace in the world,” Trivedi said.
Expressing optimism about the future, he said positive change might take time but there must be a beginning.
“I have a lot of optimism, and I am absolutely confident. It will take time, but we have to make a good beginning,” he said.
On the political issues between Bangladesh and India, Trivedi said there was no need to repeatedly discuss matters that were already under consideration at the highest level.
“I am completely confident that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh knows what has to be done, where and when. It is his prerogative, and we should leave it to him to decide when he considers it appropriate,” he said.
Trivedi said India would continue to focus on areas that could move forward without being affected by political considerations.
“My responsibility is to ensure that the work does not stop, but I cannot do it alone,” he said.
He stressed the need for the relevant technical committees of the two countries to work on easing trade restrictions and improving economic exchanges.
The High Commissioner attended the inaugural ceremony of the Kabir-Lalon Bhabsangeet Utsav, organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, as special guest.
The event was held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Thursday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first visit to India cannot be a multilateral visit and the government is working on arranging a bilateral visit to India when the timing is conducive.
He stressed that Bangladesh is placing greater emphasis on a bilateral visit by the Prime Minister and discussions.
Kobir said such a bilateral visit will take place when the environment is conducive and mutual respect is maintained. “There is no need to rush things.”
Responding to a question about the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, the State Minister said, “Wherever our national interest is involved, we will act with importance and competence. We will prioritise the interests and well-being of our country.”
Kobir said there is no scope for Bangladesh to send a government representative to the BRICS Summit, as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was not invited to the summit and the invitation was instead extended to the BIMSTEC Chair.
“How shall we go? Has anyone from the Bangladesh government been invited? Our Prime Minister was not invited. Who told you that our Prime Minister was invited? The BIMSTEC Chair was invited. Then why are you asking this question?” he told reporters, ruling out the possibility of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attending the BRICS Summit.