DHAKA, Sep 29: Bangladesh on Tuesday expressed optimism over ongoing discussions with India regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi, although no date has yet been finalised for the trip.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the proposed visit was discussed during his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at the foreign ministry.
“We did discuss the visit, and we are positive about it,” Kobir told reporters, while stressing that the timing of the visit would be decided later.
Asked about reports suggesting that Rahman could travel to New Delhi in November, Kobir declined to comment on speculation. He said the government would focus on confirmed developments rather than rumours.
“The reality is that we had a very good meeting today and I am positive that we can get positive results in the near future,” he said.
Kobir added that Rahman would travel to India when circumstances were favourable and relations between the two countries were grounded in mutual respect. He acknowledged that Bangladesh-India relations were going through challenges, but said both sides were seeking solutions through dialogue.
The meeting marked Trivedi’s first courtesy call on Kobir since the latter assumed charge as state minister. Trivedi had previously met Kobir around eight weeks ago when he was serving as Rahman’s foreign affairs adviser.
Kobir described Tuesday’s discussion as cordial, productive and fruitful.
Trivedi, speaking separately to reporters, reiterated that India’s invitation to Rahman to visit New Delhi remained open. He said there was no reason to hurry the process and that adequate time should be allowed for further developments.
“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 said.
The Indian envoy acknowledged that political considerations existed on both sides but said discussions were continuing.
“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,” Trivedi said.
Rahman’s proposed India trip comes as Dhaka and New Delhi work to manage strains that have affected bilateral relations since the Sheikh Hasina-led government was ousted on August 5, 2024, following weeks of student led protests.
Hasina has remained in India since leaving office. She was later tried in absentia by a special tribunal in Bangladesh and sentenced to death in connection with the crackdown on protesters.
Her continued stay in India has become a major issue in relations between the neighbouring countries. Dhaka has sought her extradition, while New Delhi has said the request is being examined under applicable law and established legal procedures.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said last month that the environment for Rahman’s proposed visit had been affected by Hasina’s virtual press interaction from New Delhi in August.
India has said it had no involvement in the media event and does not endorse statements made there concerning the Bangladeshi government.
New Delhi had invited Rahman to attend the BRICS Summit earlier this month in his capacity as chairman of BIMSTEC. A separate invitation for a bilateral visit had also been extended in February.
Rahman did not attend the BRICS outreach summit. Kobir had earlier questioned the nature of the invitation, saying Rahman had been invited as BIMSTEC chairman rather than specifically in his capacity as Bangladesh’s prime minister.
Despite the tensions between the two countries, Rahman extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17.