United News of Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and forward-looking partnership with India based on sovereign equality, national interests, dignity, and the welfare of the people. Describing India as Bangladesh’s closest neighbour and an important trade and development partner, he said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with India. President Shahabuddin made the remarks when newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi presented his credentials to him at Bangabhaban. Upon his arrival at Bangabhaban, the high commissioner was accorded a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the President Guard Regiment. Following the credential presentation ceremony, the envoy paid a courtesy call on the President. Briefing reporters after the meeting, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam said Shahabuddin welcomed the new Indian envoy and expressed hope that his tenure will further strengthen and deepen the mutually beneficial and people-centric relations between Bangladesh and India. The President recalled with gratitude the participation of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s new democratic government, which was formed following the February 12 election. High Commissioner Trivedi said it is natural for the two sovereign nations to enjoy friendly and cordial relations, reflecting the long-standing bonds between the two countries. The President also stressed the importance of increasing people-to-people connectivity and taking positive initiatives to resolve outstanding issues, including border-related concerns. Referring to border management, Trivedi noted that recent discussions between senior officials of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had been productive. He emphasised the need for more regular meetings between border forces and officials at both local and higher levels, expressing optimism that border issues will be resolved expeditiously. The Indian envoy conveyed greetings from the President and leadership of India to President Shahabuddin and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. President Shahabuddin, in turn, conveyed his greetings to the President of India through the high commissioner. High Commissioner Trivedi sought the continued support and cooperation of the President and the people of Bangladesh in carrying out his diplomatic responsibilities. President Shahabuddin wished the envoy a successful tenure and assured him of Bangladesh’s full cooperation in further enhancing the cordial and constructive relationship between the two neighbouring countries. Secretaries from the President’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials concerned were present at the ceremony.

The Indian government has reportedly decided to send 75-year-old veteran politician and former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi as next India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh. As a first political appointee in the neighbourhood after a long time, BJP leader Trivedi will replace career diplomat Pranay Verma, who will move to Brussels as the Indian Ambassador to the European Union (EU), reports Hindustan Times on Sunday, describing the move as a significant development. However, a diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB that there has been no official announcement yet. Meanwhile, Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP’s National Information and Technology Department and co-incharge West Bengal congratulated Dinesh Trivedi for being appointed as India's envoy to High Commissioner to Bangladesh. “Congratulations to Sri Dinesh Trivedi, senior BJP leader, former Union Minister and Barrackpore MP, for being appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh,” Amit Malviya said in a post on X. Trivedi was a Union Minister for Railways and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare during the UPA regime, as a member of the Trinamool Congress. He resigned from the TMC on February 12, 2021 and joined the BJP on March 6, 2021. Pranay Verma, current Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, has recently been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union. On April 10, the Ministry of External Affairs of India announced his appointment, noting that he will be accredited as Ambassador of India to the European Union. Pranay Verma is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Diplomatic sources told UNB that High Commissioner Verma is likely to continue here for one or two months as the new Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh has yet to be announced. Pranay Verma, who served as Ambassador of India to Vietnam, arrived in Dhaka on September 21, 2022.