United News of Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Monday said Bangladesh and India possess all the ingredients necessary to emerge as a global economic powerhouse. During a meeting with the leaders of International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICC Bangladesh) at its Secretariat, he observed that both countries have exceptional strengths in innovation, education, healthcare and human capital, and stressed that these advantages should be translated into stronger economic cooperation and sustainable development. The High Commissioner said many longstanding bilateral issues could be resolved through sustained engagement and dialogue at the highest political level. He emphasised the indispensable role of the private sector in driving economic growth, investment and employment, noting that businesses are the foundation of a stable and prosperous economy. The Indian envoy also highlighted the significant opportunities for establishing joint venture industries in border areas, which could strengthen regional value chain, attract investment and create employment. Reaffirming the High Commission's commitment to supporting the business community, he encouraged Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and investors to approach the High Commission whenever they encounter challenges in expanding bilateral trade and investment. At the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral trade, investment and regional economic cooperation. Welcoming the High Commissioner, ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman highlighted the longstanding friendship and growing economic partnership between Bangladesh and India. He underscored the importance of stronger private sector engagement to unlock the full potential of bilateral cooperation and promote sustainable economic growth. Bangladesh and India continue to enjoy largest trading relationships in South Asia. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately US$11.39 billion in FY2024–25, with Bangladesh exporting goods worth US$1.76 billion to India and importing US$9.62 billion. The ICC Bangladesh President emphasised the importance of improving market access for Bangladeshi products, reducing non-tariff barriers, harmonising standards, simplifying customs procedures and concluding the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity to reduce the trade gap. The meeting also discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in investment, regional value chain, multimodal connectivity, renewable energy, cross-border power trade, digital commerce, fintech, artificial intelligence, climate finance, sustainable manufacturing, healthcare, education and skills development. ICC Bangladesh President further highlighted the importance of revitalising regional cooperation through SAARC, expediting implementation of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement, and advancing practical cooperation under BIMSTEC to enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs and strengthen regional supply chains. Rahman reiterated the importance of resolving the anti-dumping measures affecting Bangladeshi exports, particularly jute and jute products, and called for continued dialogue to ensure fair and transparent trade remedies. During the interactive discussion, ICC Bangladesh Vice-President Naser Ejaz Bijoy emphasised the importance of facilitating business travel and called for further improvement in the issuance of business visas to strengthen commercial engagement between the two countries. ICC Bangladesh Executive Board Member Simeen Rahman highlighted the vast opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, business, healthcare, medical services and tourism. She noted that India is home to many globally recognised companies and institutions, creating significant potential for enhanced partnerships and greater people-to-people and business-to-business collaboration. ICC Bangladesh Executive Board Member Abdul Hai Sarker expressed his optimism that many of the longstanding unresolved bilateral trade and business issues could be addressed during the tenure of the new High Commissioner, paving the way for stronger economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. Speaking on behalf of the business community, ICC Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to promoting stronger business-to-business cooperation through joint business councils, CEO forums, SME collaboration, startup exchanges, investment missions and technology partnerships. The ICC Bangladesh President expressed its commitment to working closely with the High Commission of India and ICC India, under the aegis of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), to further strengthen economic collaboration and promote a more prosperous, sustainable and mutually beneficial future for both Bangladesh and India. The Meeting was also attended by ICCB Executive Board Member Tapan, Chowdhury, Pawan Kumar Badhe, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Gourab Kumar Agarwal, Second Secretary (Economic & Commerce) High Commission of India to Bangladesh, ICCB Secretary General Ataur Rahman, General Manager Ajay Bihari Saha & Deputy General Manager Syeda Shahnewaz Lotika.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday said there is no problem that cannot be resolved and once Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visits India, things will move forward constructively. "I am looking forward to everything positively- we had a great meeting filled with immense positivity," he told reporters while responding to a question after seperate meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Asked about the two separate invitations to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from the Indian side, the High Commissioner said that is the prerogative of the Prime Minister.  "From our end, I can assure you that we are looking forward to welcoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India. We are very hopeful that this visit will take place in the near future," he said. On pending bilateral issues - Teesta and Ganges Water Treaties, the High Commissioner said, "Today’s meeting was primarily a courtesy call, and it carried the warmth expected of one. However, there is no issue that cannot be sorted out through mutual understanding. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it is about people. Whatever is beneficial for both democracies and their citizens will be prioritised." ​Regarding treaty renewals, both India and Bangladesh have active working groups, he said.  "These working groups will certainly meet and deliberate. As I mentioned, there is no problem that cannot be resolved. The working groups will actively do their part, and once the Prime Minister visits India, things will move forward constructively," said the High Commissioner.  He said they had a remarkably good meeting which is a very positive step forward. "The meetings held in an exceptionally warm environment." ​"I can tell you that historically, culturally, and even in sports—such as cricket—our connections run deep. We discussed all these aspects," said the High Commissioner.  ​"This relationship is truly historical. We share not only our borders, but also our history, culture, and aspirations." "I am looking forward to a relationship whose very foundation rests on mutual, people-to-people benefits for both nations. This is just the beginning, and I am confident we will continue to engage more deeply with each other moving forward," said the High Commissioner.  Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe, officials of the High Commission were also present.  On June 25, the High Commissioner presented his credentials to the President of Bangladesh, and conveyed greetings from the government and people of India and reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthening the multifaceted Bangladesh-India partnership for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two sovereign countries.  India, which is going to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the important event that will focus on global cooperation, trade, and sustainable development.  

Celebrating the monsoon season that has inspired poets, musicians and artists, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the High Commission of India organised 'Shravan Sandhya', a monsoon musical evening, on Saturday at the High Commission of India. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe, among others, attended the event. As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy, the programme highlighted IGCC's dedication to promoting cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding through the performing arts. The programme presented an evocative musical experience that reflected the beauty of the rainy season while celebrating the shared cultural legacy that continues to connect the peoples of India and Bangladesh.