PM Tarique Rahman should visit India soon: Dinesh Trived

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has called for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India at the earliest, saying direct engagement between the two leaders could help advance key areas of bilateral cooperation.

Speaking at a welcome dinner hosted by Masud Jamil Khan, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh, and his wife Kate Jaro Khan in Baridhara on Sunday (August 16), the High Commissioner said Bangladesh and India do not only share a border; they really share a dream.

Trivedi said New Delhi was looking forward to welcoming the Bangladesh prime minister and that his visit should take place “sooner rather than later.”

Highlighting the longstanding ties between the two countries, Trivedi said Bangladesh and India’s relationship extends well beyond their shared border. Deep people-to-people connections and historical links provide a strong foundation for opening what he described as a new and brighter chapter in bilateral relations.

Addressing differences and challenges between the two neighbours, the Indian envoy said disagreements were natural in democratic societies. Bangladesh and India, as two independent and sovereign states, would continue to pursue their respective interests and positions, he said, but added that identifying areas of common interest and resolving differences through dialogue was the most effective way forward.

Trivedi had similarly said in late July that there was no issue between the two countries that could not be resolved through mutual understanding.

On Tarique Rahman’s proposed India visit, the high commissioner said New Delhi was ready to receive the Bangladeshi leader. A face-to-face meeting between the two prime ministers could help make meaningful progress on several important bilateral issues, he said.

Trivedi had also expressed optimism on July 29 that a visit by Tarique Rahman could lead to constructive progress in Bangladesh-India relations.

High-level engagement between Dhaka and New Delhi has increased in recent weeks. On Aug. 10, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met Trivedi in Dhaka, with discussions reportedly covering bilateral ties as well as Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The two countries have also continued discussions on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and other areas.

Trivedi said stronger people-to-people links and broader cooperation would be essential to making the bilateral relationship more effective. With shared interests in areas including trade, connectivity, security and healthcare, he stressed the importance of working together toward shared prosperity and a mutually beneficial relationship.