United News of Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Thursday said India will take all necessary steps following the death of Bangladeshi nationals in a hotel fire in Kolkata. “It's very sad. We will certainly do whatever needs to be done,” he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain at Secretariat. Nine people including seven Bangladeshis were killed in a devastating fire that broke out at a hotel near New Market in Kolkata, West Bengal on Wednesday. Journalists asked whether there was any negligence in the incident and whether the Indian authorities would investigate the matter but Trivedi did not respond. After the meeting, Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain said it was purely a courtesy meeting and he did not raise the issue of Bangladeshi nationals’ death in India. Asked whether there was any discussion about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India, the health minister said the Indian side has invited the prime minister and expressed hope that he would visit. “They have invited our Prime Minister. They just said that they hope he will go,” he said.

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.