Trivedi for keeping BD-India ties moving

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has called for keeping trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and India moving forward, saying such issues should not be held back by political developments.

“Issues would continue to be discussed between the two countries, but issues such as Maitree Express, Ganges Water Treaty, trade and cultural exchanges should not be allowed to get stuck," Dinesh Trivedi said while talking to reporters at a cultural programme in Dhaka on Friday night.

The High Commissioner attended the inaugural ceremony of the Kabir-Lalon Bhabsangeet Utsav, organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, as a special guest at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

"These are the things of ordinary people," said the High Commissioner, highlighting the importance of keeping people at the centre.

The High Commissioner said trade restrictions from both sides have to be liberalised. Otherwise, he noted, the people will suffer.

He said there was no need to rush and the political process would take its own course. But the work that concerns ordinary people must continue, Trivedi said.

Trivedi was speaking about the importance of peace and harmony in the region and beyond, referring to the teachings of Lalon Fakir and the traditions of Buddhism and Sufism.

"The world is facing a lot of unrest at this moment. When I talk about the lamp and the lighthouse, I am not talking only about Bangladesh or India; I am talking about the entire subcontinent," he said.

The High Commissioner said the region's diverse religious and spiritual traditions could contribute to the cause of global peace.

"There is Buddhism here, there is Sufism, and all religions are the same. We can all live together and work together for peace in the world," Trivedi said.

Expressing optimism about the future, he said positive change might take time but there must be a beginning.

"I have a lot of optimism, and I am absolutely confident. It will take time, but we have to make a good beginning," he said.

On the political issues between Bangladesh and India, Trivedi said there was no need to repeatedly discuss matters that were already under consideration at the highest level.

"I am completely confident that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh knows what has to be done, where and when. It is his prerogative, and we should leave it to him to decide when he considers it appropriate," he said.

Trivedi said India would continue to focus on areas that could move forward without being affected by political considerations.

"My responsibility is to ensure that the work does not stop, but I cannot do it alone," he said.

He stressed the need for the relevant technical committees of the two countries to work on easing trade restrictions and improving economic exchanges.