Tarique Rahman wishes Narendra Modi on birthday

In a message posted on social media, Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt greetings to Narendra Modi and wished him good health and dynamism. In the message he said, “Warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many good wishes for you on this special day of your birthday. May you always maintain good health and vibrant enthusiasm along with your dedicated service to the people of India” on Thursday.

Before this greeting message to Narendra Modi, discussions had been going on between the two countries for several days regarding Tarique Rahman’s participation in the BRICS summit. On July 14 a diplomatic note was sent to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Indian High Commission. In it, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Tarique Rahman as the current chairperson of BIMSTEC to participate in the BRICS outreach session in New Delhi. On July 23 State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam informed that the invitation letter had reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it had been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Initially there was no final decision from Dhaka’s side on whether the invitation would be accepted. On August 10 Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman informed that Bangladesh had received two invitations from India—one for Tarique Rahman for a bilateral visit and the other to participate in the BRICS summit’s outreach session as the chairperson of BIMSTEC. At that time no final decision had been taken on either.

Later on September 10 State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir clarified that Tarique Rahman was not participating in the BRICS summit. His explanation was that the invitation had been given not as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh but as the chairman of BIMSTEC and Dhaka was not satisfied with this process. He also informed at the same time that Tarique Rahman may go to India on a bilateral visit if a favourable environment is created.

At that time discussions were also held from Dhaka’s side on the possible environment for a visit to India. A bilateral visit may take place in the future if progress is made on various issues of relations between the two countries and opportunities for discussion on some important issues are created. Citing a diplomatic source, it was further said that Dhaka wants discussions on specific progress on several issues including renewal of the Ganges water sharing treaty, normalization of visa operations, trade and land port operations.

Ultimately Tarique Rahman did not participate in the outreach session of the 18th BRICS summit held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. However, the decision not to go to the BRICS summit was not seen as a complete rejection of a visit to India; rather it was said from Bangladesh’s side that a bilateral visit with India may take place if a suitable and favourable environment is created.

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi’s birthday is on September 17. This greeting message of Tarique Rahman on the birthday of the Indian Prime Minister within a few days of not participating in the BRICS summit has also come up for discussion as a separate diplomatic message in the field of relations between the two countries.