PM Tarique Rahman's India visit will be positive for all: Dinesh Trivedi

Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi has said that if Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India is confirmed, resolving unresolved issues between the two countries will become easier. He said, "Let Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's India visit be confirmed, let the working groups sit with their papers — everything will be positive." Noting that there is no problem between the two countries that cannot be resolved, he said, "There is no such problem that cannot be solved to mutual benefit."

He made these remarks to journalists after his courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid Islam at the foreign ministry on Wednesday (July 29). This was his first formal meeting with the foreign minister nearly a month after assuming office. Along with other issues, the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty also came up during the meeting.

Referring to the positive discussions, Dinesh Trivedi said, "At the end of the day, this is about the people of both countries. Whatever is needed for the democracy of both countries, that interest will be protected."

On the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, he said, "The joint working groups of the two countries are discussing the matter. I hope they will reach an understanding. There is no problem that cannot be solved. Whatever is needed in the interest of the people of both countries will be done."

It may be noted that the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty signed in 1996 expires this year. A joint technical committee of the two countries is working on renewing the treaty or signing a new one. During his visit to India in April, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said that the Ganges water sharing treaty, based on fairness and climate resilience, would be the first test of rebuilding relations between the two countries.

Dinesh Trivedi, a senior BJP leader and former central minister, arrived in Dhaka in June to take up his assignment as High Commissioner. Upon taking charge, he had raised the issue of the Ganges water sharing treaty as well as the stalled Teesta agreement.