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India Re-engages Bangladesh as Om Birla Attends Tarique Rahman's Oath

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived in Dhaka to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi emphasized the strategic need for India to re-engage with Bangladesh, citing concerns over the relationship's decline and Pakistan's influence. The visit underscores India's commitment to its democratic ties with Bangladesh during this political transition. Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also joined other international dignitaries for the ceremony.

Key Points: Om Birla in Bangladesh for PM Swearing-In Amid India Ties Focus

  • Om Birla represents India at Bangladesh oath
  • Chaturvedi calls for re-engagement
  • Concerns over Pakistan's influence cited
  • Tarique Rahman to be new PM
  • Bhutan PM also attends ceremony
2 min read

"Ensure relationship we shared returns to same footing": Priyanka Chaturvedi on Om Birla's visit to Bangladesh

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represents India at Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's oath. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi stresses on resetting bilateral ties.

"ensure the relationship we shared returns to the same footing - Priyanka Chaturvedi"

New Delhi, February 17

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, on Tuesday, emphasised the strategic importance of India's presence at the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman. The MP's remarks came as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached Bangladesh today to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "As far as PM Modi is concerned, there was also concern about the Pakistani Prime Minister being part of it... Understanding the seriousness of how the India-Bangladesh relationship has gone downhill, and Pakistan has had a strong influence on Bangladesh, it is important that we begin engaging with Bangladesh and ensure the relationship we shared returns to the same footing..."

While speaking to ANI on Muhammad Yunus' statement, she further added, "He can continue to say what he wants. He has been the most divisive figure in Bangladesh, heavily influenced by Pakistan and aiding and abetting targeted killings of Hindu minorities... I would only say it is good riddance, and such provocative statements from him would get the deserved response that the MEA will give to him..."

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached Dhaka on Tuesday to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Upon his arrival at the airport, he was received by Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Secretary Nazrul Islam.

The reception, which included officials from the High Commission of India, underscores the regional importance of the transition as Rahman prepares to take office following the BNP's landslide victory.

Joining the international dignitaries, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also arrived in Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet. Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs noted that Birla's participation "underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations."As Bangladesh enters a "new dawn" following years of political upheaval, Tarique Rahman is set to take the oath as Prime Minister.

As Bangladesh enters a "new dawn" following years of political upheaval, Tarique Rahman is set to take the oath as Prime Minister.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Priyanka Chaturvedi is right to point out the concerns about Pakistan. The security of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh must be a priority in our engagements. Good that our leadership is taking this seriously.
R
Rohit P
While engagement is necessary, I hope our foreign policy is more consistent and less reactive. We share deep cultural and economic ties with Bangladesh that go beyond which party is in power. Let's focus on that.
P
Priya S
Sending the Lok Sabha Speaker is a good gesture. It shows respect for their democratic process. The relationship had become quite strained, time to build bridges again. Best wishes to the people of Bangladesh for this new chapter.
M
Michael C
Interesting analysis. The mention of Muhammad Yunus is crucial. If he is indeed a divisive figure influenced by Pakistan, then India's cautious approach makes complete strategic sense. Stability in Bangladesh is stability for our entire region.
K
Kavya N
We share so much history with Bangladesh. It's sad to see the relationship suffer. Hope this visit is the first step. Issues like water sharing, trade, and connectivity need to be at the forefront, not just politics. 🤞

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