Trivedi Seeks Early Summit With PM Tarique Rahman

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has said that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India should take place sooner. He said a direct meeting between the two heads of government could pave the way for resolving various bilateral differences and outstanding issues through discussions. Mr. Trivedi made the remarks while speaking to journalists at a dinner hosted by Ireland’s Honorary Consul in Dhaka, Masud Jamil Khan, and his wife, Kate Jarrow Khan, on Sunday (August 16) night.  Expressing optimism about the future of Bangladesh-India relations, The Indian High Commissioner said he wants to see a “golden chapter” in the relationship between the two countries.

Mr. Trivedi said the relationship should be advanced by giving importance to the interests and expectations of the people of both countries. Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “people’s leaders,” Mr. Trivedi said no problem would remain beyond resolution if the two leaders sat face to face and discussed the issues. He said Bangladesh and India do not merely share a border; the two countries also share a common dream. Bilateral relations should be taken forward based on that shared goal. He further said minor disagreements are normal between neighbouring countries and should not become a reason for ending relations.

The Indian High Commissioner also expressed hope that relations between Bangladesh and India would become stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr. Trivedi said the business and commercial sectors also have an important role to play in reducing the existing distance between the two countries. He stressed the need to increase trade and investment, as well as people-to-people contacts. Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner had described his first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as “productive.” He said India’s invitation to the prime minister to visit the country remains valid and that a meeting between the two heads of government could create opportunities for discussions and progress on various issues.