I don’t see Indians, Bangladeshis as separate: Trivedi

Indian High Commissioner-designate to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi arrived in Dhaka via the Benapole land border on Friday to assume his new assignment, expressing optimism about stronger bilateral cooperation and the resolution of longstanding issues between the two neighbouring countries.

Trivedi crossed the Benapole Land Port immigration checkpoint in Jashore at around noon with his wife Mrinal Trivedi.

India’s acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pawan Kumar Badhe received him at the border terminal. Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Deputy Chief of Protocol Arif Mahmood was also present to welcome the Indian delegation.

Before leaving for Dhaka, Trivedi spoke briefly to reporters at Benapole, underscoring the close ties between Bangladesh and India.

Responding to a question on the resumption of tourist visas, he dismissed notions of separation between the two countries.

“We have 1.4 billion people, and if you add 200 million, that becomes 1.6 billion. Whatever happens, happens together. I cannot think of us separately,” he said, adding, “Same sky, same air.”

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Asked about allegations that India has been pushing people into Bangladesh after identifying them as illegal migrants, Trivedi said closer cooperation between the two democracies could help address challenges and unlock greater economic potential.

Emphasising the importance of stronger engagement, he said meaningful cooperation between Bangladesh and India was essential and pledged to work towards fostering trust and people-to-people connectivity between the two nations.

When a journalist referred to India as Bangladesh’s neighbouring “major power”, Trivedi rejected the characterisation, saying the strength of bilateral relations lies in solidarity, mutual respect and partnership.

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