Indian envoy says dialogue in democracy is like the flow of a river like
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as an "intelligent" and "pro-people" leader, saying decisions on his possible visit to India should be left to the Prime Minister.
"This is left to the Prime Minister's prerogative. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is a very intelligent person. He is pro-people. I think we should leave it to the Prime Minister," he told reporters on Wednesday.
Trivedi was responding to questions about renewed discussions over a possible India visit by Tarique Rahman after holding separate courtesy meetings with Speaker Maj (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal at the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad.
The Indian envoy expressed optimism about the prospects for stronger bilateral ties, saying both sides are pursuing a people-oriented approach.
"The intention from both sides is people-oriented. When there is a people-oriented approach, things will happen," he said at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Asked about the renewed discussion over the Prime Minister's possible visit, Trivedi said dialogue is a continuous process in a democracy.
"If discussion ends, that is not democracy. It is like a running river, like the Ganga and Padma. It keeps on running; there is no stagnation. Dialogue is like the flow of a river and the flow of an ocean. They will never stop. Now, I am sanguine. I am confident. It is the process of democracy. The process will continue," he said.
Focus on parliamentary ties
Trivedi stressed stronger engagement between the two parliaments as a way to deepen people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and India.
The discussions covered the formation of Parliamentary Friendship Groups, reciprocal visits by parliamentary delegations under the guidance of the Speakers, cooperation between parliamentary committees and the digitisation of parliamentary records.
He also reiterated an invitation from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for the Bangladesh Speaker and Deputy Speaker to visit India at their earliest convenience.
"We've extended a warm welcome to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker to visit India and to the democratic temple of democracy, the Indian Parliament," Trivedi said after meeting the two parliamentary leaders separately.
He also conveyed Birla's greetings to Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal.
"I had talks with the Speaker Om Birla and he told me, 'Please give my greetings to my friend, the Speaker of Bangladesh,'" Trivedi said.
He said India wants to build a people-centric relationship with Bangladesh, with greater emphasis on people-to-people contacts.
No date yet for PM's India visit
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said no date has yet been fixed for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's possible visit to India.
"Of course, the Prime Minister will visit India, but we have not set any dates yet," he said, adding that the timing would depend on a conducive environment and the availability of both prime ministers.
Kobir said Bangladesh had clearly conveyed its concerns over sentiments generated in the country following the events of August 5.
"So, timing [is important]. Of course, there will be a visit once the environment is conducive," he said, stressing the importance of maintaining balanced foreign relations.
'Nobody is big, nobody is small'
Trivedi called on Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan at the Secretariat, where discussions focused on bilateral relations, people-to-people ties and strengthening local government structures.
Trivedi said Bangladesh and India must move forward while recognising the challenges faced by both sides, warning against becoming trapped in the past.
"We have to appreciate Bangladesh's democratic challenges, and Bangladesh also has to appreciate India's challenges. Keeping these challenges in mind, we have to move forward," he said.
He stressed the need for mutual understanding between the neighbours. "As neighbours, we are equal. Nobody is big, nobody is small," he added.
The High Commissioner said the past cannot be forgotten, but countries should not remain stuck in it. "If we get stuck in the past, development works will not happen."
Trivedi also conveyed his wishes on the 48th Founding Day of BNP. "It's a Founding Day (of BNP), very important day. I congratulated him, his party and all."
Asked about the state of Bangladesh-India relations and tensions surrounding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Trivedi declined to comment on Bangladesh's internal politics, saying he was an ambassador. "We should not."
"The people of the country and its elected government with a majority will understand what is good for people. That is the truth," he said.
Asked how he views bilateral ties as India's representative in Bangladesh, Trivedi said both countries want to strengthen people-to-people relations.
"Ultimately, whatever decisions we take have an impact on ordinary people. So it is our responsibility to ensure that whatever we decide benefits ordinary people," he said. "We always say that we share a dream, we share a vision," he added.
Referring to the shared border, Trivedi said it increases the responsibilities of both countries as neighbours.
On trade, he said the two sides also discussed promoting trade and free trade for the benefit of their people. "We discussed how we can have free trade between the two countries," he said.
