United News of Bangladesh

India on Saturday reaffirmed the value of its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and wished the people of Bangladesh peace, prosperity and success on their journey ahead. "We have and will continue to support a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh," said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma while commemorating India’s Republic Day in the evening.  Moving forward, the High Commissioner said successes achieved across diverse areas inspire them to seek even more forward-looking and future-ready collaborations. Energy Adviser Md Fauzul Kabir Khan spoke at the reception held at a city hotel attended by political leaders, senior government officials, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, civil society members, cultural activists, among others.  Today, the High Commissioner said, as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, powered by young, skilled, and innovative populations, Bangladesh and India are capable of becoming catalysts for each other’s sustainable growth, enablers of each other’s future prosperity, and anchors for robust regional integration. "Together, we can build regional value chains, shared digital ecosystems, and energy corridors that serve both our economies," he said. Together, the High Commissioner said, they can ensure that the region’s energy future is clean, affordable and secure. He said the two countries can work to address shared challenges of environmental sustainability and climate change for our shared ecology. "In short, as forward moving societies, there is so much that we can offer to each other, and to our region, when we work together, transforming our geographical proximity into new opportunities," said the High Commissioner. Collaborations that are anchored in their shared aspirations for prosperity, progress, and partnership, he said. "Partnership that is rooted in trust. Partnership that is driven by innovation and technology; and a partnership that is nurtured and sustained by mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual sensitivity," said the High Commissioner. On 26 January 1950, the people of a newly-independent India gave themselves a new Constitution; declared their country a sovereign republic; and committed themselves to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and dignity for all. In the 76 years since then, India has moved from being an impoverished nation to become the largest democracy and one of the largest economies in the world, a modern, confident nation that is today contributing to global progress and offering solutions to global challenges. "Bangladesh has been an important co-traveler in this journey of ours. We share a special relationship, along with an indelible history of shared sacrifices during Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971," Pranay Verma said. He said their shared love for literature, music, and art defines the Dhaka-Delhi ties. "From Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose works connect our cultures and literatures, to the rich traditions of dance, theater, and cinema – people of our two nations share a deep cultural affinity," said the High Commissioner. Over the years, he said their mutual exchanges and shared interdependence have been reinforced by a rapidly transforming landscape of connectivity and economic engagement, bringing their societies, people and businesses closer together. A cross-border pipeline carrying high-speed diesel from an Indian refinery to Bangladesh; the cross-border power transmission lines, bringing power from both India and Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid –are some examples of how the two countries have, together, laid the foundations of energy connectivity leading to regional economic integration in a true sense, said the Indian envoy. "Our supply chains fuel Bangladesh’s prolific RMG and pharmaceutical sectors, proving the merits of mutual cooperation and interdependence," the High Commissioner said. He said there are numerous such examples of how the partnership has brought benefits to the people and businesses on both sides. 

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma hopes that trade connectivity and economic engagement between Bangladesh and India will continue to bring people and businesses of the two countries closer together. Speaking at an interactive session on Monday, the Indian envoy highlighted the importance of the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development and also in promoting closer supply/value chain linkages between India and Bangladesh. The High Commissioner identified cooperation between the two countries in the RMG and textile sector as a testament to their interdependence and mutual benefit. He expressed the hope that the participation of a large delegation from Bangladesh in Bharat Tex 2025 will open up new opportunities for establishing new supply chain linkages and investment and technology tie-ups across various segments of the textile value chain. The exhibition will be held in New Delhi, India from February 14–17. The High Commission of India, Dhaka organised the interactive session with leading businesses and Business Chambers of the textile sector of Bangladesh. Read: New Year: Indian PM Modi greets CA Dr Yunus

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said they strongly believe that their partnership with Bangladesh must benefit the common people on both sides, stressing that their relations have always been people-centric.  "We remain confident that the reality of our cultural and societal connections and the logic of our interdependence and mutual benefit will keep guiding our relationship forward," he said.  Speaking at a reception celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India at a city hotel on Saturday evening, High Commissioner Verma said they have and will continue to support a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh. Committed to creating environment for "free, participatory" polls: Wahiduddin Mahmud He said India will continue to seek a "stable, positive, constructive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial relationship" with Bangladesh, in which people are the main stakeholders.  

India on Monday conveyed to Bangladesh that it observed all “protocols and agreements” between the two governments and border forces with regard to security measures along the borders, including on fencing. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh acting High Commissioner Md Nural Islam to the South Block and conveyed the message. The development came a day after Bangladesh ‘summoned’ Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and conveyed deep concern during a meeting at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday over the recent activities of the BSF of India along the Bangladesh-India border. India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking. Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures for securing the border, according to the MEA. India conveyed its expectation that Bangladesh will implement all earlier understandings and that there will a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes. On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin called upon the government of India to advise all the authorities concerned in India to refrain from “any provocative actions” that could escalate tensions along the shared border. “We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border guard enforcements - BSF and BGB - have been in communication in this regard,” the High Commissioner told reporters in his statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour. Read more: Bangladesh urges India to avoid border provocations Verma expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border. The High Commissioner said he met the Foreign Secretary to discuss India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling and trafficking. The Foreign Secretary stressed that such activities particularly the unauthorised attempt to construct barbed wire fencing and the related operational actions by BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border. He said that the construction of barbed-wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries. The Foreign Secretary hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG level talks would be able to discuss the matter at length. The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.

After a period of growing tensions in a changed political scenario since August 5, Bangladesh and India are increasingly demonstrating their willingness to recognise the value of fostering stability, mutual trust, and cooperation in addressing shared challenges for greater prosperity on both sides. The winds of positive change in Dhaka-Delhi relations indicate a promising turn for the two South Asian neighbours though many feared that the relations would only deteriorate further with a growing anti-India sentiment. Recent diplomatic exchanges including the foreign secretary-level meeting have shown a commitment to sewing ties and addressing areas of discord. On January 1, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue. There are questions around on how the Bangladesh-India relations will navigate this year if Dhaka's request for returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unaddressed. Adviser Hossain, however, addressed such a question saying this is one of the issues and the two countries have many bilateral issues. "I think both will continue simultaneously. We have many issues of mutual interest. We will advance with all these issues side by side," said the adviser. Dhaka's ties with Delhi won’t get stuck on single issue: Foreign Adviser Bangladesh is expecting a reply from India regarding its request for Hasina’s extradition and was supposed to send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi. India has refrained from commenting further on Hasina's extradition request. "You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs on January 3. Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri, during his official visit to Bangladesh on December 9, reiterated India's willingness to build a “positive and constructive” relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual trust, respect and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests. He also emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in Bangladesh-India relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh including in areas of trade, connectivity and other capacity building areas are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh. “So, that has been our approach. There are several developments that are happening. There are developments happening on a daily basis, but our generic approach to Bangladesh is what I told you. We would like to foster these ties,” said MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal on January 3. India’s approach is to foster ties with Bangladesh was made very clear during the Indian foreign secretary's visit to Dhaka, where he highlighted India's support for a “democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh. India unlikely to extradite Hasina as heard: Adviser Mahfuj On December 31, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma welcomed Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the High Commission when Dr Yunus went there to pay tributes to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away recently. New Delhi's reaction was rather soft when on January 2 a Chattogram court rejected the bail prayer of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader, in a sedition case.  It simply voiced expectation that the individuals who have been arrested receive a fair trial and the ongoing proceedings in Bangladesh will ensure that. “This is our expectation,” says MEA Spokesperson on January 3. Meanwhile, the reciprocal repatriation of 95 Indian fishermen or crew detained in Bangladesh and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen or crew detained in India began on Thursday. The process is expected to be completed on January 5. After the handing over on January 5 at the International Maritime Border, the Bangladeshi fishermen or crew, along with their fishing vessels, are expected to return to Chattogram in the afternoon of January 6. Essential commodities are coming from India to Bangladesh. In December, 2024, a consignment of 24, 690 metric tonnes (MT) of parboiled rice arrived at Chattogram Port from India. It was the first batch of rice imports from India since Yunus-led interim government assumed office.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Tuesday said they want to build a constant, stable and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. Talking to reporters briefly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they are interested in working with Bangladesh to fulfill their shared aspirations in the field of peace, security and development. The envoy described the relationship between the two countries as "multifaceted and wide-ranging," which cannot be reduced to one issue. Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma summoned to MoFA He also said there are many interdependencies and want to build on that for mutual benefits. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner. Pranay Verma entered the ministry around 4pm on Tuesday. Asked, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said he (Indian envoy) had been asked to come. The Indian high commissioner was then engaged in a meeting with acting Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah. Additional security measures were taken around the ministry with the deployment of army and police personnel.  

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said India will continue to seek a ‘stable, positive and constructive’ relationship with Bangladesh built upon their interdependencies, in which people of both countries remain the main stakeholders. Verma made the remarks while addressing the 2024 NDC course participants at Bangladesh National Defence College in Mirpur on October 22. Chief Adviser expected to join COP29 Summit in Azerbaijan next month He spoke about India’s foreign policy and development strategy, highlighting India’s growing engagement with the world to promote rules-based international order, reforms of global governance and interests of the Global South, as well as to serve India’s quest for inclusive, sustainable and rapid national development. The envoy elucidated the long-term vision of Bangladesh-India relations under India’s foreign policy priorities of ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East Policy’, the SAGAR doctrine, as well as India’s Indo-Pacific Vision. Bangladesh urges UAE to address visa issues ensuring smoother mobility for workforce

 Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Wednesday highlighted the significance of Yoga as a gift of India to the world. “Yoga, being an integral part of the shared cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh, can further serve as a unifying force, promoting physical and mental well-being among our people,” he said. The High Commissioner emphasised that the G20 Presidency of India in 2023 reinforces India’s commitment to fostering global partnerships for sustainable development, and Yoga is a catalyst for this positive change. The High Commission of India celebrated the International Day of Yoga along with Yoga enthusiasts from Bangladesh at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium, Mirpur. The event witnessed a large turnout, with participants from various walks of life coming together to celebrate the ancient science of yoga, which originated from India. Modi to lead foreign dignitaries in a session on Int'l Yoga Day at UN Secretariat

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) highlighted the value of science and technology (S&T) cooperation between Bangladesh and India as an important dimension of their development partnership and a key catalyst in achieving larger national goals and finding solutions to common developmental challenges. Speaking at a symposium, he stressed that as nations aspiring to join the ranks of developed economies of the world, there was great value and necessity for India and Bangladesh to promote closer engagement in science and technology. The high commissioner said that their collaboration can also bring unique perspectives as developing countries into scientific research and innovation, creating solutions that address "our societal challenges and generating ideas that meet their developmental aspirations." He urged greater participation of younger scientists from both countries in their S&T collaboration. Read more: OIC Secretary-General commends Bangladesh’s unwavering support to development of IUT As part of the long-standing cooperation between Bangladesh and India in the field of Science & Technology, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) hosted a joint scientific symposium in partnership with India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Dhaka. The subject of the symposium was “Advanced Functional and Smart Materials for Sustainable Development”. Verma was invited to address the symposium as the guest of honour.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday identified defence industry cooperation between Bangladesh and India as an emerging focus area of their defence partnership.  Speaking at a seminar on Indian defence equipment, he highlighted the accomplishments of the Indian defence industry over the last nearly a decade driven by their Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India, Make for the World”.  The High Commissioner invited Bangladesh Armed Forces to benefit from India’s cost-effective and high quality defence equipment and technology, and also proposed joint development and production.