Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today (January 15, 2024) firmly dismissed the possibility of engaging in discussions with those who instigate violence and anarchy in the nation.  "Dialogue is pointless with individuals who burn people alive and incite anarchy, rather than practicing legitimate politics," he declared to the press. This strong statement came in response to inquiries about the Awami League's strategy to address challenges from the opposition party, BNP, in the upcoming days.  Read: Expats are our heroes; let’s work together to build Smart Bangladesh: FM  Dr. Mahmud, who also serves as the Awami League's joint secretary, emphasized the importance of this issue during a scheduled meeting of the Awami League central working committee, which will be attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In a broader context of regional cooperation, Dr. Mahmud met with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma. They discussed mutual support, particularly India's consistent backing of Bangladesh in maintaining a democratic trajectory.  “During the elections of 2014 and 2018, despite external attempts to stir controversy, India's support for our democratic process was unwavering,” Dr. Mahmud remarked. Read: Indian, Sri Lankan FMs greet Hasan Mahmud; eye deepening ties with Bangladesh  Looking ahead, the Foreign Minister revealed plans for his first bilateral visit to India, accepting an invitation from his Indian counterpart, Dr. S Jaishankar. The visit aims to further strengthen diplomatic ties, with the exact date to be decided later. Additionally, Dr. Mahmud is set to embark on a multilateral tour to Uganda. The meeting with the Indian High Commissioner marks Dr. Mahmud's first diplomatic engagement since assuming the office of Foreign Minister, highlighting his proactive approach in foreign affairs and regional cooperation.

India has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory and eyes “even stronger momentum and growth” in the bilateral partnership in support of each other’s national development. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma during his call on PM Hasina today (January 08, 2024) conveyed warm greetings and congratulations on behalf of the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Read more: Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory India was the first country to congratulate the Prime Minister today. The Indian high commissioner expressed hope that during the new term of PM Hasina’s government, there will be even stronger momentum and growth in the bilateral partnership. The envoy said that India will continue to support people of Bangladesh in realizing their vision of a stable, progressive and prosperous nation, guided by their long-standing friendship and inspired by their shared sacrifices in the Liberation War. Read more: Visiting foreign observers describe National Election 2024 in Bangladesh as ‘free, fair and safe’