Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Advocates for People-Centric Bangladesh-India Relations During Meeting with Indian High Commissioner
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Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad stated on Wednesday that future relations between Bangladesh and India should be rooted in people-to-people connections rather than being confined to government-level interactions. During a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at the Parliament Bhaban, the Speaker emphasized that bilateral ties must progress based on mutual respect and the preservation of sovereign independence.
Addressing the historical trajectory of diplomatic relations, Speaker Ahmad noted that the ties between the two nations have often been marked by complexity. He criticized the previous administration under Sheikh Hasina, asserting that the elections held in 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2024 undermined democratic rights. He further highlighted that the student-led uprising in 2024 has paved a new path for the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.
High Commissioner Trivedi conveyed India’s interest in fostering a people-centric relationship. The two sides discussed several key areas of bilateral cooperation, including the exchange of parliamentary delegations, the Rohingya crisis and repatriation efforts, and collaboration in sports and culture. During the discussion, Trivedi extended an official invitation to the Speaker to visit India on behalf of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, stressing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy.
Following his meeting with the Speaker, the High Commissioner held a courtesy meeting with Deputy Speaker Kaysar Kamal at his office in the National Parliament. Their discussion focused on modernizing parliamentary operations, including the integration of information technology.
During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker expressed interest in seeking India’s expertise to implement Bangladesh’s e-parliament initiative. Kamal lauded Trivedi’s extensive experience as a parliamentarian, noting that his tenure as High Commissioner serves as a significant opportunity to strengthen legislative cooperation. Both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral trust, stability, and mutual cooperation for the welfare of their respective citizens.
Speaking to reporters after his meetings, High Commissioner Trivedi addressed questions regarding the democratic process, describing it as a continuous, evolving dialogue. When asked about potential conditions for a visit to India by the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Trivedi noted that the decision rests with the Prime Minister, whom he characterized as intelligent and public-oriented. He expressed confidence that when the intentions of both nations remain centered on the needs of the people, positive outcomes will inevitably follow.
The meetings were attended by the Secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat, Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiya, alongside the Deputy High Commissioner of India and other senior officials.
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