PM Tarique’s India visit at ‘convenient time’: Trivedi

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Tuesday described the overall state of Bangladesh-India relations as “absolutely positive”, saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India would take place at a mutually convenient time.

“Our invitation is open. I don't think there is a need for a hurry. Everything is very positive. But we must give due time,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Trivedi made the remarks after meeting State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the ministry, where they discussed bilateral issues, regional and international matters, including the recently concluded 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

Kobir underscored Bangladesh's commitment to work in a forward-looking and mutually respectful way with India on issues of mutual interest and for the benefit of the people.

Trivedi expressed hope that the political leadership of both countries would find a convenient time for further engagement.

“We are very confident that whenever the prime ministers of both sides find it convenient, I am sure things will happen,” he said.

The Indian envoy acknowledged that political compulsions remained on both sides but said these should not overshadow the broader relationship.

"There is no question about anything like it. I am positive, the state minister is positive, and the people of Bangladesh are positive. Everything is possible," he said.

Asked about his meeting with Kobir, Trivedi described the state minister as "very upright, very frank and very open", saying their discussions were marked by openness and positivity.

Trivedi said the meeting was essentially a courtesy call to congratulate Kobir and convey India's greetings to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman through him.

"It was purely a courtesy meeting - I was happy to congratulate [him] from the High Commissioner's side, from India's side, and I also sent the greetings to the Prime Minister through him," he said.

Referring to Tarique's recent engagement in New York, Trivedi said: "He had great meetings in New York."