Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, held a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday (6 April), where several issues were discussed, including the import of diesel from India through a pipeline.
The meeting was held at the Cabinet Conference Room of the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat.
At the beginning of the meeting, Pranay Verma conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Humayun Kabir, said that in addition to diesel imports via pipeline, the meeting also covered various aspects of bilateral relations and ways to enhance mutual cooperation.
Tarique Rahman stated that with a positive mindset, it is possible to build a new and stronger relationship between Bangladesh and India. He also emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
In response, Pranay Verma said that India is keen to further advance its relationship with Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Replying to a question regarding the return of Sheikh Hasina, Humayun Kabir said, “Sheikh Hasina is politically finished in Bangladesh. There is no longer any existence of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League in the country.”
He, however, clarified that there was no detailed discussion on Sheikh Hasina during the meeting, adding that discussions with India on all issues concerning Bangladesh’s national interests will continue.
Humayun Kabir also said that Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman will travel to Mauritius to attend the Indian Ocean Summit. On his way, he will pay a courtesy visit to India on Tuesday (7 April).