Indian Envoy Meets Bangladesh PM For First Time Amid Fresh Strain In New Delhi-Dhaka Ties
The extradition of former PM Ms Sheikh Hasina and the return of Osman Hadi's murder accused were among the key issues discussed between Mr Rahman and Mr Trivedi. Mr Rahman also stressed on the need to create a suitable environment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries
New Delhi: Amid frayed tempers, Bangladesh Prime Minister Mr Tarique Rahman met Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Mr Dinesh Trivedi, on Monday. The meeting was termed to be a courtesy call by the new Indian HC and Mr Trivedi’s first meeting with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister after taking over as the new HC in Dhaka. The extradition of former PM Ms Sheikh Hasina and the return of Osman Hadi's murder accused were among the key issues discussed between Mr Rahman and Mr Trivedi. Mr Rahman also stressed on the need to create a suitable environment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Bangladesh hopes that India will expedite the process of extraditing Sheikh Hasina," said a press release issued by the PM’s Press Wing after the meeting.
The meeting comes in the backdrop of Dhaka expressing “outrage” over the media press conference of former Bangladesh PM Ms Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi last week. Bangladesh has threatened that such incidents can hamper bilateral ties. Dhaka has also sought extradition of Ms Hasina.
The meeting comes ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi where India has invited Bangladesh PM.
As a preparatory meeting ahead of Monday’s courtesy call, Mr Trivedi had met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Sunday. Ahead of his meeting with Mr Rahman, Mr Trivedi told the media in Dhaka that there was a need to resolve all bilateral issues through dialogue.
“We all have great respect for the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. I have heard his speeches many times. He is a people-friendly person. Our prime minister is also a people-friendly person… I feel that when the two leaders meet, many problems are resolved. Problems are resolved when we talk to each other. I fully believe that the people are one. There will be a solution. There is nothing negative here. Everything is positive,” said the Indian HC.
According to Dhaka Tribune, the meeting covered a range of important bilateral issues between Bangladesh and India. The HC briefed the PM on his experience during his first two months in Dhaka.
