Bangladesh's internal politics is not my place to comment on: Dinesh Trivedi
He said Bangladesh’s people and their elected government know what is best for the country.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has said he does not want to comment on Bangladesh's internal politics as an ambassador.
"I am an ambassador. We do not want to say anything about internal politics, nor should we. The people of the country and the majority government elected by the people's votes understand best what is good for the people," he said.
He made the remarks while answering questions from journalists after paying a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, today (1 September).
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On how relations between Bangladesh and India should develop, he said, "People-to-people contact should be the main basis of bilateral ties."
He said both countries want stronger ties, adding that Bangladesh's representative in Delhi also wants to deepen engagement.
Trivedi said decisions taken by the two countries affect ordinary people, making it their responsibility to ensure their welfare.
He said the shared border and neighbourhood also placed greater responsibilities on both sides.
"As neighbours, we are equal. No one is bigger, and no one is smaller," he said.
Trivedi said he had learned a lot from Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan during his visit, describing the minister's experience of working for the people as extensive.
He stressed the need for mutual understanding to address challenges faced by Bangladesh and India, saying the two countries should look towards the future rather than remain stuck in the past.
"Although we cannot forget the past, there is no opportunity to remain stuck in it. If we remain stuck, development work will not happen," he said.
The meeting also covered trade and free trade for the benefit of people in both countries.
State minister joins courtesy meeting
Minister of State for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam said the Indian high commissioner had visited Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan to convey greetings from India on the founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
He described it as primarily a courtesy meeting, with ministry-related issues also discussed.
Local government elections were also discussed, with Trivedi sharing his experience as a former Indian MP and minister, while the minister and state minister exchanged their political experiences.
Mir Shahe Alam said the government plans to hold local government elections in the current fiscal year, but ensuring free, fair, and impartial polls remains a major challenge.
He said the government, as a democratic administration elected by the people, has a responsibility to ensure this.
The state minister said the remaining discussions focused on courtesy matters and bilateral relations.
