All Dhaka, Delhi issues resolvable through talks: Indian envoy

Following meetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi has expressed optimism that all existing bilateral issues between Bangladesh and India can be resolved through mutual discussion.

The Indian envoy held the high-level meetings in Dhaka today (10 August). He met with Salahuddin at the Secretariat after calling on Tarique at the Prime Minister's Office at 11am, according to a Facebook post by the BNP Media Cell.

The back-to-back meetings on the same day are being viewed as a continuation of renewed high-level engagements between the two neighbouring countries.

Talking to reporters after the meeting with Salahuddin, Trivedi praised the home minister's demeanour and emphasised the shared aspirations of both nations.

He described it as an interaction from "people's representative to people's representative". Although it was his first meeting with Salahuddin, the envoy remarked that it did not feel like their first encounter – describing the home minister as very good, humble, and down to earth.

Responding to queries regarding various bilateral issues between Bangladesh and India, Trivedi said, "If there are no issues, there will be no democracy. Issues will always be there."

"There is no such issue that we cannot solve. I can confidently say that there is no issue we cannot sit down and settle," he added.

The envoy noted that maintaining good relations is a "win-win situation" for both nations, adding that the general public in both Bangladesh and India also desire good bilateral ties.

"We do not just share borders; we also share dreams," Trivedi remarked.

Stressing that the historical relationship and geographical reality of the two countries cannot be altered, he expressed optimism that relations will improve further in the coming days.

While sidestepping a direct question on whether any specific topic was discussed with the home minister, Trivedi reiterated the importance of resolving existing issues through dialogue.

The Indian high commissioner also reflected on the affection and hospitality he has received from the public during his tenure in Bangladesh. 

He stated that over the past two months in the country, he has been treated with immense respect and love.

Trivedi further expressed hope that a prime minister-level meeting between the two countries would yield positive outcomes.