United News of Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Monday laid emphasis on strengthening business-to-business relations between the two countries, saying politics will continue in its own course. “Let us have business-to-business together. Politics will continue in its own way, but it is our responsibility to deliver what people deserve. I have no doubt that the future is very positive. Let things take their own time, and let us work together for the people of both countries,” he told reporters at Secretariat after a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir. The High Commissioner said Bangladesh is a vibrant, sovereign and independent country, just as India is. “Nobody is big and nobody is small. We are all equals, and we have to work on that footing,” the Indian envoy said. Highlighting the importance of peace and prosperity, Trivedi said prosperity would follow if peace could be ensured. “I think it is the responsibility of both countries to ensure peace and prosperity for the young generation,” he said. The envoy said ordinary people do not ask for much; they want the basic necessities of life, with peace being their foremost priority. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, the High Commissioner said that whatever decision is taken, leaders must always consider its impact on the poorest people. Trivedi also stressed the need to explore joint-venture business opportunities in Bangladesh, including projects in border areas. Highlighting the importance of economic and people-to-people ties, the High Commissioner recently in a reception said the private sector has a crucial role in bridging differences between the two countries. "No government in the world can provide everything. It always needs the private sector," he said, expressing gratitude to the business communities on both sides.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Tuesday night called on Bangladesh and India to move beyond their differences and work together to build a relationship based on “mutual and unconditional trust,” saying the aspirations of the two countries’ young generations should guide the future of bilateral ties. “We need to get ourselves together. Move on. I’m not telling you to forget the past, but keep the past and sort out the differences of the past. But move on. Don’t get stagnant,” he said. The High Commissioner made the remarks while addressing a reception hosted in honour of leading Bangladeshi business leaders and a visiting delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at The Westin Dhaka. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Director General Chandrajit Banerjee and Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe also spoke at the reception. High Commissioner Trivedi said both Bangladesh and India are aspirational countries, with their young people looking for opportunities, prosperity and a better future. “It’s aspirant Bangladesh and it’s aspirant India,” he said, stressing the need for the two countries to work together to create opportunities for the younger generation. Referring to his arrival in Bangladesh, the High Commissioner said, “The day I came in, I just walked in. This is one of the symbols, I think, that we are together.” High Commissioner Trivedi said the foundation of any long-lasting relationship is “mutual and unconditional trust”. “Friends really understand each other’s issues, and we are not friends if we don’t understand,” he said. Acknowledging that there are issues between the two neighbours, he said such differences can be resolved through engagement and dialogue. “I can tell you I fully understand there are issues, but these issues can definitely be sorted out once the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (Tarique Rahman) and our Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet,” he said. The Indian envoy also conveyed what he described as an assurance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding a future visit by the Bangladesh Prime Minister to India. “After meeting the Prime Minister here, I went straight to Delhi and had a great meeting with our Prime Minister. He (PM Modi) just mentioned one thing: we need to meet,” he said. “You can tell them on my behalf that you have the Prime Minister of India’s assurance that when the Prime Minister of Bangladesh visits India, he will have such an honourable reception as he deserves,” he added, quoting the Indian Prime Minister. The visit, Trivedi said, would be “a memorable visit” whose benefits would ultimately reach people and businesses on both sides. Highlighting the importance of economic and people-to-people ties, the High Commissioner said the private sector has a crucial role in bridging differences between the two countries. “No government in the world can provide everything. It always needs the private sector,” he said, expressing gratitude to business communities on both sides. He identified people-to-people relations, employment, education and health as key areas where Bangladesh and India can deepen cooperation. “People all over the world have a big role to play in bridging this gap,” he said, referring to the business community’s role in strengthening bilateral ties. The High Commissioner said India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy reflects the importance New Delhi attaches to its relationship with Bangladesh. “Why did he send me? For one simple reason: we have a lot of respect, we have a lot of affection and we have a lot of need with a neighbour. And our policy is Neighbourhood First,” he said. Trivedi acknowledged that the two countries have gone through “hiccups” in their relationship, but said such difficulties should not undermine their longstanding bonds. “We have all gone through hiccups here and then. I think that’s quite natural; that also happens in a family. But that doesn’t mean that we move away,” he said. “We have shared history, we have shared culture, and this is where we need to foster,” Trivedi added. The High Commissioner also praised Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, describing him as “a people’s person” and noting that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to congratulate him after his landslide electoral victory and the first to invite him to India. He said the recent high-level engagements, including visits by India’s external affairs minister and speaker as well as his own posting in Dhaka, reflected India’s eagerness to strengthen ties. “We are eagerly waiting and I’m so hopeful. There are issues, there is no doubt about it,” he said. At the same time, Trivedi said differences are natural in a vibrant democracy. “If issues are not there, then it’s not democracy; it’s something other than democracy,” he said. He said Indian officials have been working closely with Bangladesh’s ministers in recent weeks to address differences and understand the concerns of the Bangladeshi people. “We deeply understand the concerns of brothers and sisters of Bangladesh,” he said, while stressing that the relationship should be viewed as “a partnership of equals”. “These concerns can only be mitigated once you meet,” Trivedi said. Turning to Bangladesh’s youth, the High Commissioner said the country’s new generation had gone through significant struggle and sacrifice and deserved an opportunity to achieve peace and prosperity. “This is a new Bangladesh, and this new Bangladesh has the youth. And youth has also gone through a lot of struggle and a lot of sacrifice,” Trivedi said. “Our objective obviously is to have peace and prosperity, and the youth must get that opportunity,” he added. Trivedi said such opportunities could be created through closer cooperation between Bangladesh and India. “Bangladesh First and we have the goals are same. There is just no difference,” he said. Urging the business communities of both countries to join the journey of closer cooperation, the High Commissioner said, “Let’s have this journey together.” Trivedi expressed hope that the relationship between Bangladesh and India would enter a new phase. “This would be a golden chapter in the history of the relationship between India and Bangladesh, because we have a lot to share with you,” he said. Trivedi referred to the shared cultural heritage of the two countries and called for a renewed “melody of relationship”. “Let’s have this melody of relationship,” he said, expressing confidence that the relationship could become “golden” and long-lasting. The high-level Indian business delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Wednesday morning, an official told UNB. Discussions during the visit focused on addressing issues of mutual interest and mutual benefit, identifying emerging areas of cooperation, and facilitating greater engagement between businesses of the two countries. Both sides explored opportunities for greater economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries. The delegation, led by Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, comprises 14 business leaders representing prominent Indian companies and institutions, including Bharat Biotech, Infravision Foundation, Godrej Industries, Arvind Limited, LMW Global, Mahindra Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Forbes Marshall, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Apollo Hospitals and Indian Oil Corporation, along with officials from the CII Secretariat. During the visit, the delegation met senior members of the government of Bangladesh.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Saturday highlighted the importance of working together to advance the partnership in key sectors and nurture the exceptional bond of friendship between Bangladesh and India. “We recognise that it is the people-to-people connection, rooted in shared aspiration and mutual goodwill, that remains the true beating heart of this enduring friendship,” he said while celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pawan Badhe, among others, was present. Trivedi urged the two countries to work together towards shared prosperity, noting that Bangladesh and India are advancing their partnership across vital sectors, ranging from trade and connectivity to security and healthcare. “Let us also continue to nurture the exceptional bonds of friendship between India and Bangladesh, working hand in hand toward shared prosperity,” he said.  

The extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the return of Osman Hadi murder accused were among the key issues discussed between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi on Monday. “Bangladesh hopes that India will expedite the process of extraditing Sheikh Hasina, said a press release issued by the PM’s Press Wing after the meeting. At the same time, the request to India to return to Bangladesh the killers involved in the murder of Shaheed Osman Hadi has been reiterated. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi paid the courtesy call on the Prime Minister at his  office at the Secretariat around 11am. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed Trivedi at the beginning of the meeting. PM Tarique inaugurates three pilot SDG villages The high commissioner briefed the prime minister on his experience during his first two months in Dhaka, said Shahadat Shadhin, the prime minister’s deputy press secretary. The meeting covered a range of important bilateral issues between Bangladesh and India. The prime minister stressed the need to create a suitable environment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. This was Trivedi’s first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir were present during the meeting. India appointed Trivedi, a former Indian railway minister and health minister and a veteran politician from West Bengal, as its 16th High Commissioner to Bangladesh in April replacing Pranay Kumar Verma. Trivedi formally assumed office after presenting his credentials to former president Mohammed Shahabuddin on June 25. Trivedi has already held meetings with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed as part of his diplomatic engagements in Dhaka.  

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Friday met visiting US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and discussed issues of mutual interest. "The meeting was held at a city hotel in the morning. I can only tell you it was a good meeting," a diplomatic source on the US side told UNB. It could not be learned what they exactly discussed during the meeting. On June 25, Gor wished High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi all the very best as he assumed his "important role" as India's new High Commissioner to Bangladesh. "As the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, I look forward to working closely with him," Gor said on June 25. The US Special Envoy met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Thursday evening and visited the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar on Friday. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur said bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States are moving in a very positive direction, noting that they will build on the achievements they have made so far. "Our engagement with the US is not limited to one meeting. We remain engaged on all aspects and at all levels, and the relationship is moving forward," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday night after his meeting with Gor at the State Guest House Padma.

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.