Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has reiterated that his country attaches "special importance" to its relationship with India, describing it as a close neighbour and a key trade and development partner. The statement came during a meeting with the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, at the Bangabhaban palace in Dhaka on Thursday.
Credentials Ceremony and Guard of Honour
High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi presented his credentials to President Shahabuddin in a formal ceremony. Upon his arrival at Bangabhaban at noon, a contingent of the President Guard Regiment accorded him a guard of honour. After the presentation, the High Commissioner held a courtesy meeting with the President, where they discussed bilateral relations and mutual interests.
President's Remarks on Bilateral Ties
President Shahabuddin expressed hope that Trivedi's tenure would further strengthen mutual relations between Bangladesh and India, making them more fruitful and people-oriented. He gratefully recalled the participation of India's Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, in the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new democratic government, which was formed after winning more than a two-thirds majority in the free, fair, and neutral national elections held in February this year.
The President emphasised that Bangladesh is committed to maintaining an honourable and forward-looking partnership with India while upholding sovereign equality, national interest, dignity, and the welfare of the people. In response, High Commissioner Trivedi remarked that a friendly and cordial relationship naturally exists between the two sovereign nations.
Focus on People-to-People Contact and Border Issues
President Shahabuddin stressed the importance of increasing people-to-people contact between the two nations and taking positive initiatives to resolve unresolved issues, including border problems. Regarding the border issue, High Commissioner Trivedi noted that fruitful discussions were recently held between high-ranking officials of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). He emphasised the need for more regular meetings at both local and high levels between the border security forces and officials of both countries, expressing hope for a swift resolution of border issues.
Commitment to Strengthened Cooperation
The Indian High Commissioner conveyed the greetings of the Indian President and leadership to President Shahabuddin and reaffirmed India's commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. The President, through the High Commissioner, extended his greetings to the President of India. Trivedi sought the full cooperation of the President and the people of Bangladesh in discharging his duties. President Shahabuddin wished him a successful tenure and assured full cooperation in making the relationship between the two countries even more cordial and consolidated.
Secretaries of the President's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and senior officials concerned were present during the ceremony, according to a press release from the President's Press Secretary, Md Sarwar Alam.
