Differences will exist, but will be resolved through dialogue: Dinesh Trivedi

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has said that in a democracy, issues will exist, and if there are no issues, that is not democracy. In his view, there is no issue that cannot be resolved through dialogue. While there may be differences between the two countries on various matters, the people of both nations share the same expectation of moving the relationship forward.

He made these remarks while responding to journalists' questions after a meeting with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at the Secretariat on Monday afternoon.

In response to a question about bilateral relations, the Indian High Commissioner said both Bangladesh and India have strong democracies, and the common people of both countries want good relations.

He said, "There will be issues, and they will be resolved. But the people of both countries have one issue—that is good relations."

Dinesh Trivedi further said that when the leaders of the two countries sit together, various matters will be discussed, and he expressed hope that positive developments will follow. In his view, good relations will benefit both countries equally. He expressed his commitment to moving forward positively.

When asked whether any specific issues were discussed with the Home Minister, Dinesh Trivedi said that during his meeting with the minister, it did not feel like it was their first meeting. He gave the example that even in a family, there are various issues, but no issue is irresolvable.

When pressed on specific discussion topics, he again reiterated the desire for democracy and mutual goodwill between the two countries.

Dinesh Trivedi mentioned that he has been in Bangladesh for two months since taking up his posting and noted that he has received affection, respect and love from the people of Bangladesh during this time.

Earlier on Monday, the Indian High Commissioner also met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister's Office in the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat. The meeting covered a range of important bilateral issues between Bangladesh and India, with Dhaka reiterating its request for the extradition of convicted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the return of suspects in the murder of Shaheed Osman Hadi.