Zakir Hossain, Dhaka
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Tuesday (September 29) described the state of bilateral relations as “absolutely positive” and said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India would take place at a mutually convenient time.
“Our invitation is open. I don’t think there is a need for a hurry. Everything is very positive. But we must give due time,” Trivedi told reporters after meeting State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, with Kobir reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to work with India in a forward-looking and mutually respectful manner for the benefit of both peoples.
Trivedi said the leadership of both countries would decide on a suitable time for further engagement. “Whenever the prime ministers of both sides find it convenient, I am sure things will happen,” he said.
Acknowledging that “political compulsions” exist on both sides, the envoy said these should not overshadow the broader relationship. “There is no question about anything like it. I am positive, the state minister is positive, and the people of Bangladesh are positive. Everything is possible,” he said.
Describing his meeting with Kobir as “very positive”, Trivedi said the state minister was “very upright, very frank and very open”. He added that the discussion was focused on mutual interests and marked by openness.
Calling it a courtesy meeting, Trivedi said he conveyed his congratulations and greetings from India and also sent his wishes to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent engagements in New York, he said, “He had great meetings in New York.”
The meeting also covered bilateral, regional and international issues, including the recently concluded 81st UN General Assembly session.
Last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh in a “positive, constructive and forward-looking manner”. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was ready to discuss all bilateral issues through existing structured mechanisms.
“Our intent is to take this relationship forward in a positive direction, in a constructive direction, in a forward-looking manner,” Jaiswal said.