Tajul Islam

Newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi formally presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Thursday, marking the beginning of his diplomatic mission with both countries expressing optimism about further strengthening their long-standing bilateral relationship.

Upon his arrival at the presidential residence, the Indian envoy was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the President Guard Regiment, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Following the credential presentation ceremony, High Commissioner Trivedi paid a courtesy call on President Shahabuddin, during which the two sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation and enhance ties between the neighbouring nations.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam said the President warmly welcomed the new Indian high commissioner and expressed confidence that his tenure would contribute to further strengthening the mutually beneficial and people-centric relationship between Bangladesh and India.

President Shahabuddin recalled with gratitude the participation of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected democratic government, which assumed office following the February 12 national election. He described India as Bangladesh’s closest neighbour and one of its most important trade and development partners, reiterating that Dhaka places high importance on maintaining a constructive and forward-looking relationship with New Delhi.

The President reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering a respectful partnership with India based on sovereign equality, mutual national interests, dignity and the welfare of the people of both countries. He also stressed the need to further strengthen people-to-people connectivity and called for positive initiatives to resolve outstanding bilateral issues, including matters related to border management.

Responding to the President’s remarks, High Commissioner Trivedi said it was natural for the two sovereign neighbours to maintain friendly and cordial relations, reflecting the deep historical, cultural and social bonds shared by Bangladesh and India. He conveyed greetings from the President and leadership of India to President Shahabuddin and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

On border-related issues, the Indian envoy noted that recent discussions between senior officials of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had been productive. He emphasised the importance of holding regular meetings between border forces and officials at both local and higher levels, expressing optimism that pending border concerns could be resolved through continued dialogue and cooperation.

Trivedi also sought the continued support and cooperation of the President and the people of Bangladesh in carrying out his diplomatic responsibilities during his tenure. In response, President Shahabuddin wished the envoy every success in his new role and assured him of Bangladesh’s full cooperation in promoting cordial, constructive and mutually beneficial relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Secretaries from the President’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior government officials were present during the credential presentation ceremony, which reflected the shared commitment of both countries to advancing bilateral engagement and addressing common challenges through dialogue and cooperation.