United News of Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said that the cultural bonds between Bangladesh and India are ‘older and deeper’ than national boundaries, noting that two eminent singers - Adity Mohsin and Srikanta Acharya - from both sides of the border were brought together on one stage. “Their presence here is symbolic of the cultural continuum that unites us - in a shared musical and literary tradition that continues to flourish on both sides of the border. Cultural exchanges such as this are not merely artistic engagements; they are bridges of understanding. They foster dialogue, build trust, and bring our people closer,” said the Indian envoy. He made the remarks while speaking at a musical evening on Saturday. The celebration featured the noted Rabindra Sangeet exponent from Bangladesh Adity Mohsin, joined by acclaimed Bengali singer from India Srikanta Acharya in a melody-filled rendition of the shared heritage of music, festivity and culture between the two countries. The High Commission of India in Dhaka hosted a two-day musical evening on April 17 and 18 titled “Badhon Ache Praane Praane: Of Harmony Within” at the IGCC premises to mark the Pohela Boishakh and Bengali New Year. The event was partnered by HSBC Bangladesh as public-private collaboration in promoting heritage and creativity.  

Indian High Commisioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Monday reiterated India’s willingness to work with the government and the people of Bangladesh to strengthen people-centric cooperation in all domains based on mutual interest and benefit. He paid a courtesy call on Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and discussed issues of mutual interest. They discussed wide-ranging cooperation in information and broadcasting domain including engagements between media and broadcasting institutions of the two countries.  They agreed to enhance exchange visits of media delegations between the two countries to strengthen people-to-people relations and promote mutual understanding. The High Commissioner proposed various capacity building initiatives for journalists and media professionals under ITEC programme of Government of India. As part of these initiatives, a special training course for women journalists from Bangladesh will soon be organised in India. They also exchanged views on cooperation in films, including organization of film screening and film festivals in each other’s country, as well as collaboration in production and post-production technological support.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has underlined the deep cultural affinity between the two countries  as a source of strength for their relationship. The High Commission of India and IGCC celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) as the “ICCR Day” on Friday on the IGCC premises in Gulshan, to mark the enduring cultural partnership between Bangladesh and India. Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner highlighted the role of ICCR in fostering a vibrant cultural dialogue between the two countries. He described ICCR as the ‘cultural heartbeat’ of Indian diplomacy, fostering cultural dialogues transcending borders. The event included an art camp by ICCR alumni and senior artists of Bangladesh and a special cultural programme with musical, dance and yoga performances by IGCC students and ICCR alumni from Bangladesh. Acclaimed singer and ICCR scholar Priyanka Gope of Dhaka University presented a special performance of Rabindra Sangeet and classical songs. Marking the occasion, the High Commissioner also inaugurated a two-day art camp — “Sampriti” —  hosted by IGCC, which brought together over thirty celebrated artists and ICCR scholars from Bangladesh including luminaries like Farida Zaman, Jamal Ahmed, Md. Eunus, Nissar Hossain and Ranjit Das. The art works created by them during the camp will be displayed publicly at a two-week art exhibition at IGCC scheduled to be inaugurated on April 30, said the High Commission on Saturday. During the event, the High Commissioner also paid heartfelt tributes to senior artist and ICCR scholar from Bangladesh, Tarun Ghosh, who had accepted the invitation to join the art camp Sampriti, but tragically passed away on April 9.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Saturday said Bangladesh and India share a rich history and a profound cultural connection, noting that the indelible memory of their shared sacrifices during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 continues to unite the peoples of the two countries. “Today, as two vibrant and forward-looking societies, we stand at the threshold of a promising future - the one in which we can work together, to bring shared prosperity, not only to our two countries, but also to the wider region,” he said while speaking at an Iftar hosted by the High Commission of India at a city hotel. Indian envoy meets PM’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, discusses bilateral issues, regional stability The High Commissioner said India has always supported - and will continue to support - a ‘democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive’ Bangladesh. Ministers, political leaders from both from the ruling party and opposition leaders, editors, civil society members and celebrities were present at the event. “Your esteemed presence at this Iftar gathering today, is a meaningful reaffirmation of our shared commitment to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” said the High Commissioner. Bangladesh, India agree to work towards boosting bilateral trade The envoy said the holy month of Ramadan is a deeply special time of the year, and they are honored to extend their warm greetings to all on this blessed occasion. “Iftar is a moment of reflection. It is a time to express gratitude, to remember those around us, and to think about the well-being of humanity as a whole. It is also a moment when people come together, to appreciate and celebrate the many blessings in life,” said the High Commissioner. He said this sacred month reminds them of the enduring values that lie at the heart of their faiths, and cultures - the values like compassion, empathy, generosity, and kindness. “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the strong bonds of friendship, as well as the deep societal and familial ties between India and Bangladesh, which make our relationship truly people-centric,” High Commissioner Verma said. He extended his warmest wishes to all across Bangladesh, who are observing the holy month of Ramadan. “May this blessed month bring you and your families good health, peace, prosperity, and happiness. May this holy month renew and reinforce our shared values of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity. May this blessed month also remind us that, above all, we are united by our common humanity,” said the High Commissioner. “May this sacred month strengthen our collective resolve to stand together in friendship and solidarity,” he added.

Bangladesh and India have agreed to work towards expanding bilateral trade, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Monday. “Trade between the two countries has faced various obstacles due to some mutual decisions. Both sides have drawn each other’s attention to reviewing decisions such as the closure of several Indian land ports, border haats and the cancellation of trans-shipment facilities,” he said. The commerce adviser made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The minister said the high commissioner primarily came as part of a courtesy call to welcome the new government but discussions also covered various aspects of increasing trade between the two countries. Talks included the reopening of some closed land ports, he added. Muktadir said Bangladesh also drew India’s attention to existing restrictions on the export of some products while the Indian side mentioned restarting closed border haats. “There are, in fact, some mutual barriers created by both countries and it is true that these have affected trade relations,” he said the high commissioner would discuss the issues at higher levels in his country while Bangladesh would also raise the matters in the cabinet. Replying to a question, Muktadir said there was no discussion on the future of Indian-funded projects. Asked about the possibility of fuel and food shortages if the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to the Iran war, the minister said shipping costs would rise in that case. “There is no need for immediate concern as the situation could be resolved within a couple of days. If not, the government would take alternative measures and there is currently no shortage of goods in the country, he said.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Sunday indicated Bangladesh’s intent to build a ‘forward-looking and balanced partnership’ with India based on mutual interest for the benefit of the people of the two countries. Both sides agreed to maintain a regular and constructive engagement to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, who met the Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extended to Dr Khalilur Rahman an invitation from Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to undertake an official visit to New Delhi at an early date. Talking to reporters at the Ministry, the Indian envoy said they look forward to working together with Bangladesh in a forward-looking manner to strengthen people-centric cooperation in all domains. "So, I think, of course, people-to-people exchanges are a very important part of our bilateral relations," he said, noting that they really hope to take forward things working together in a positive, constructive and forward looking manner. During the meeting, the High Commissioner reiterated their position that they look forward to engaging with the new government in Bangladesh. "We want to strengthen our people's centric cooperation in all domains, working together in a positive, constructive and forward looking manner. And based on our mutual benefit and mutual interest," he said. "So that was the conversation that we had and we really look forward to it," said the High Commissioner.

India on Saturday reaffirmed the value of its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and wished the people of Bangladesh peace, prosperity and success on their journey ahead. "We have and will continue to support a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh," said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma while commemorating India’s Republic Day in the evening.  Moving forward, the High Commissioner said successes achieved across diverse areas inspire them to seek even more forward-looking and future-ready collaborations. Energy Adviser Md Fauzul Kabir Khan spoke at the reception held at a city hotel attended by political leaders, senior government officials, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, civil society members, cultural activists, among others.  Today, the High Commissioner said, as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, powered by young, skilled, and innovative populations, Bangladesh and India are capable of becoming catalysts for each other’s sustainable growth, enablers of each other’s future prosperity, and anchors for robust regional integration. "Together, we can build regional value chains, shared digital ecosystems, and energy corridors that serve both our economies," he said. Together, the High Commissioner said, they can ensure that the region’s energy future is clean, affordable and secure. He said the two countries can work to address shared challenges of environmental sustainability and climate change for our shared ecology. "In short, as forward moving societies, there is so much that we can offer to each other, and to our region, when we work together, transforming our geographical proximity into new opportunities," said the High Commissioner. Collaborations that are anchored in their shared aspirations for prosperity, progress, and partnership, he said. "Partnership that is rooted in trust. Partnership that is driven by innovation and technology; and a partnership that is nurtured and sustained by mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual sensitivity," said the High Commissioner. On 26 January 1950, the people of a newly-independent India gave themselves a new Constitution; declared their country a sovereign republic; and committed themselves to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and dignity for all. In the 76 years since then, India has moved from being an impoverished nation to become the largest democracy and one of the largest economies in the world, a modern, confident nation that is today contributing to global progress and offering solutions to global challenges. "Bangladesh has been an important co-traveler in this journey of ours. We share a special relationship, along with an indelible history of shared sacrifices during Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971," Pranay Verma said. He said their shared love for literature, music, and art defines the Dhaka-Delhi ties. "From Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose works connect our cultures and literatures, to the rich traditions of dance, theater, and cinema – people of our two nations share a deep cultural affinity," said the High Commissioner. Over the years, he said their mutual exchanges and shared interdependence have been reinforced by a rapidly transforming landscape of connectivity and economic engagement, bringing their societies, people and businesses closer together. A cross-border pipeline carrying high-speed diesel from an Indian refinery to Bangladesh; the cross-border power transmission lines, bringing power from both India and Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid –are some examples of how the two countries have, together, laid the foundations of energy connectivity leading to regional economic integration in a true sense, said the Indian envoy. "Our supply chains fuel Bangladesh’s prolific RMG and pharmaceutical sectors, proving the merits of mutual cooperation and interdependence," the High Commissioner said. He said there are numerous such examples of how the partnership has brought benefits to the people and businesses on both sides. 

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma hopes that trade connectivity and economic engagement between Bangladesh and India will continue to bring people and businesses of the two countries closer together. Speaking at an interactive session on Monday, the Indian envoy highlighted the importance of the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development and also in promoting closer supply/value chain linkages between India and Bangladesh. The High Commissioner identified cooperation between the two countries in the RMG and textile sector as a testament to their interdependence and mutual benefit. He expressed the hope that the participation of a large delegation from Bangladesh in Bharat Tex 2025 will open up new opportunities for establishing new supply chain linkages and investment and technology tie-ups across various segments of the textile value chain. The exhibition will be held in New Delhi, India from February 14–17. The High Commission of India, Dhaka organised the interactive session with leading businesses and Business Chambers of the textile sector of Bangladesh. Read: New Year: Indian PM Modi greets CA Dr Yunus

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said they strongly believe that their partnership with Bangladesh must benefit the common people on both sides, stressing that their relations have always been people-centric.  "We remain confident that the reality of our cultural and societal connections and the logic of our interdependence and mutual benefit will keep guiding our relationship forward," he said.  Speaking at a reception celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India at a city hotel on Saturday evening, High Commissioner Verma said they have and will continue to support a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh. Committed to creating environment for "free, participatory" polls: Wahiduddin Mahmud He said India will continue to seek a "stable, positive, constructive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial relationship" with Bangladesh, in which people are the main stakeholders.  

India on Monday conveyed to Bangladesh that it observed all “protocols and agreements” between the two governments and border forces with regard to security measures along the borders, including on fencing. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh acting High Commissioner Md Nural Islam to the South Block and conveyed the message. The development came a day after Bangladesh ‘summoned’ Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and conveyed deep concern during a meeting at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday over the recent activities of the BSF of India along the Bangladesh-India border. India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking. Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures for securing the border, according to the MEA. India conveyed its expectation that Bangladesh will implement all earlier understandings and that there will a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes. On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin called upon the government of India to advise all the authorities concerned in India to refrain from “any provocative actions” that could escalate tensions along the shared border. “We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border guard enforcements - BSF and BGB - have been in communication in this regard,” the High Commissioner told reporters in his statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour. Read more: Bangladesh urges India to avoid border provocations Verma expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border. The High Commissioner said he met the Foreign Secretary to discuss India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling and trafficking. The Foreign Secretary stressed that such activities particularly the unauthorised attempt to construct barbed wire fencing and the related operational actions by BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border. He said that the construction of barbed-wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries. The Foreign Secretary hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG level talks would be able to discuss the matter at length. The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.