Bangladesh, India share democratic values and vision beyond borders: Trivedi

Bangladesh and India share more than a border, with both countries also bound by similar aspirations and democratic values, according to Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi.

He said the two countries wanted to remain “good neighbours as sovereign and vibrant democracies”.

Trivedi made the remarks at the Secretariat on Monday after a meeting with Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo.

Asked about the prospects for high-level talks between the two countries, the envoy said summit-level meetings would take place when the time was right.

What mattered more, he said, was maintaining momentum in practical cooperation and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Asked about a possible visit by Bangladesh’s prime minister to India, Trivedi said: “We’re extremely confident. Everything will fall into place at the right time.”

“India’s invitation to Bangladesh’s prime minister for a visit remains standing, and he is well aware of that.”

He added that the “momentum and goodwill” in the relationship would continue.

The meeting also covered cooperation on environmental, weather and wildlife issues.

“Air, rivers, climate or wildlife don’t need borders or visas,” Trivedi said.

“So these borderless challenges must be tackled through joint effort.”

He said cooperation on clean air, carbon credits, protection of the Sundarbans and elephant corridors should continue at the official level, regardless of the timing of formal high-level talks.

Mintoo echoed the envoy’s remarks, saying cooperation on issues affecting people’s lives, trade and the environment should continue irrespective of political or administrative considerations.

“Cooperation won’t stall from either side, and official-level talks and joint initiatives will continue,” he said.