Indian envoy meets Bangladesh president, stresses strengthening bilateral ties

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi on Tuesday met Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for the first time since the latter assumed office, with the two sides discussing ways to strengthen the “deep-rooted” and multifaceted ties between the neighbouring countries.

Alamgir was sworn in as President on August 21.

Trivedi paid a courtesy call on Alamgir at Bangabhaban and conveyed his warm greetings, wishing the President success in his continued service to the people of Bangladesh, the Indian High Commission said in a social media post.

“The discussion underscored the deep-rooted bonds between India and Bangladesh, built on shared history, close cultural ties and strong people-to-people relations,” it said.

The two sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening the bilateral partnership for the mutual benefit of the peoples of India and Bangladesh, the mission said.

Later in the day, Trivedi met Minister of Shipping, Railways, Road Transport and Bridges Sheikh Rabiul Alam. State Minister for Road, Highways and Railways Habibur Rashid was also present.

The meeting covered a range of issues of mutual interest, including railways, shipping, connectivity and bilateral development projects.

“They underscored the importance of strengthening connectivity between India and Bangladesh as a key enabler of economic engagement and closer people-to-people ties,” the Indian mission said in another post.

The meetings come as the two neighbours seek to maintain and strengthen bilateral engagement following a period of strained ties over New Delhi granting political asylum to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after being ousted in a youth-led agitation in August 2024.

In recent weeks, Trivedi has held a series of meetings with senior political leaders in Bangladesh, including Prime Minister Rahman, stressing the need to create a conducive environment for deepening bilateral ties.