India's new envoy to Bangladesh arrives in Dhaka via Petrapole-Benapole border crossing
Dhaka, June 12
India's High Commissioner-designate to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, arrived in Dhaka on Friday through the Petrapole-Benapole border crossing between the two countries.
The envoy, accompanied by his wife Minal Trivedi, was welcomed by the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pawan Badhe, upon arrival.
Sharing the visuals of Trivedi's arrival through the land route on the social media platform X, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said, "A warm welcome to High Commissioner-designate H.E. Mr Dinesh Trivedi and Madam Mrs Minal Trivedi to Bangladesh. HC designate crossed over to Bangladesh at the Petrapole-Benapole border checkpoint today, where he was received by Deputy High Commissioner Mr Pawan Badhe."
The move symbolically underscored the "central importance" of border connectivity in Bangladesh-India bilateral relations, with the newly designated Indian High Commissioner seeking to further strengthen ties between the two neighbours, local media reported.
Speaking to reporters at Benapole, Trivedi stressed the close people-to-people connections between the two countries.
"First of all, only one priority: that between the people of Bangladesh and the people of India. We both are brothers and sisters. It's our dreams, and the dream is common. Same sky, same breeze, and same issues. So, we can't go wrong. All you need is love and affection, and all problems get sorted out," Bangladeshi media outlet UNB quoted him as saying.
In April, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that former Union Minister Trivedi was appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
Trivedi has previously served as Railway Minister (2011) and also as the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. His appointment as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh comes at a time when both countries are making efforts to reset bilateral ties.
On April 8, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart Khalilur Rahman and his delegation in New Delhi, discussing bilateral ties, regional and global developments.
"We discussed strengthening our bilateral relationship in its various facets. Also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Agreed to remain in close touch," EAM Jaishankar had posted on X following the meeting.
Khalilur Rahman's India visit assumed significance as it was the first to India by a Bangladeshi minister since the BNP-led government assumed office in February, indicating a shift in the recalibration of India and Bangladesh ties, which had strained during the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus amid escalating attacks on Hindu minorities and anti-India rhetoric.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Symbolic move indeed! Coming through the land border shows that we value practical connectivity. The Benapole-Petrapole checkpost is a lifeline for trade and travel. Let's hope this translates into better infrastructure and smoother crossing for ordinary people. Mera Bharat Mahaan! 🇮🇳
Dinesh Trivedi ji is a seasoned politician. His comment about 'same sky, same breeze' is very heartwarming. I just hope the Bangladeshi side reciprocates equally. There have been some difficult times with the Yunus government, but this appointment could be a positive step. Let's see how things progress. 🙏
As a Bengali from West Bengal, I feel this personally. The Benapole border is where our families cross for weddings and shopping. This gesture by Trivedi ji is not just diplomatic - it's personal for crores of Indians and Bangladeshis. But actions speak louder than words. Hoping for reduced harassment at borders soon.
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. Issues like border killings, illegal immigration, and attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh are real concerns. While Trivedi ji's bonhomie is nice, we need concrete results. The 'brotherhood' rhetoric only works if there's mutual respect and safety for minorities on both sides. 🤔
Interesting appointment. Trivedi has good ministerial experience, including Railway Minister. That could be useful for cross-border rail projects like the Mait
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