Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi set to meet Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman tomorrow
Dhaka, August 9
Amid escalating diplomatic friction between Dhaka and New Delhi, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi is scheduled to meet Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday for an important meeting.
The diplomatic dialogue unfolds after a virtual press interaction by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on August 5 triggered strong objections from Dhaka.
During her address, Hasina stated that she remains resolute about returning to her homeland in December to put the nation on the "right track" by restoring democracy, despite acknowledging the risk of imprisonment or a death sentence upon her return.
In a swift response, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs registered a strong protest and condemned the statements, noting that the incident impacted public sentiment and complicated efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Addressing reporters after inaugurating a Children's Corner at the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka, Indian High Commissioner Trivedi highlighted the strength of leadership on both sides.
"The Prime Minister of Bangladesh... we all respect him a lot. I have listened to his speeches many times, and he talks from his heart. This, I have seen. He is a people's person. And our Prime Minister is also of the people," Trivedi said.
Emphasising the value of direct diplomatic engagement, the envoy expressed optimism regarding constructive dialogue between the two nations.
"I feel that when... when two leaders meet, a lot of problems are solved. Problems are sorted out when we talk to each other. And I have full confidence that people are together, and a solution will definitely happen... it will happen. I am very confident. There is nothing negative here; everything is positive," Trivedi stated.
Trivedi, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader holding Union minister status, arrived in Dhaka on June 12 as India's High Commissioner. His upcoming interaction with Rahman, while structured as a courtesy call, is viewed as a key engagement given the prevailing diplomatic context.
The development follows India's invitation to Prime Minister Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in September in his capacity as current chair of BIMSTEC, though Dhaka is yet to formally announce its decision regarding attendance.
Clarifying its position, India's Ministry of External Affairs stated on August 7 that New Delhi had no involvement in Hasina's media event and does not endorse statements made regarding the Bangladeshi administration.
Following the political transition in Dhaka in August 2024, a special tribunal in November 2025 issued a verdict against Hasina in absentia concerning the 2024 unrest.
While bilateral engagement experienced a cautious recalibration after Rahman's administration assumed office in February, both sides continue to engage through official diplomatic channels to navigate shared regional priorities and maintain stable neighbourhood ties.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Hasina's statement about returning in December is definitely not helping the situation. But I appreciate that India's MEA has clarified they had no involvement. However, Bangladesh needs to understand that India can't control what a former PM says from here. Let's keep the dialogue open.
Trivedi's words about both leaders being "people's persons" is pure diplomacy. But honestly, the real issue here is the growing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh. We need to address the root cause - misinformation and fake narratives - instead of just holding photo-op meetings.
BRICS invitation is a smart move. West Bengal and Bangladesh share too much history, culture, and commerce to let this fester. Trade corridors, water sharing, border security - too much at stake. Time for mature leadership on both sides. 🙏
I have to respectfully disagree with Trivedi's optimism. The situation is more complex than "two leaders meeting." Hasina's presence in India is being weaponised by various factions. India needs to take a clearer stand - either we support Hasina (which will anger the current government) or we distance from her (which might seem disloyal). Tricky position to be in.
The Neighbourhood First policy should be about genuine friendship, not just rhetoric. Let's hope this meeting produces concrete outcomes - especially on trade and border management. Actions matter more than statements. 🌏
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