Published : 05 May 2026, 02:54 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:41 PM
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma has paid a farewell call on Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman after serving in Bangladesh during a politically turbulent period spanning three governments.
The Indian High Commission and the foreign ministry issued separate statements following the meeting held at the ministry on Monday.
In its statement, the High Commission said the envoy thanked the foreign minister and the ministry for their consistent cooperation in advancing Bangladesh-India relations.
“They also briefly reviewed the ongoing developments in bilateral relations and expressed optimism about the future direction of the relationship driven by the new capabilities and new aspirations of both countries.”
Verma, who has been serving as India’s top envoy in Dhaka since September 2022, is being appointed ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, with his next posting in Brussels.
During his three-and-a-half-year tenure in Dhaka, Bangladesh saw significant political developments.
The Awami League formed the government for a fourth consecutive term in January 2024 amid an opposition boycott of the election.
Seven months later, on Aug 5, 2024, the government led by Sheikh Hasina fell in the face of a mass uprising by students and the public.
The former prime minister has since been living in exile in India.
Verma continued his diplomatic role through the interim government period that followed, during which Dhaka and New Delhi experienced strained relations, including reciprocal summons of each other’s envoys over various issues.
After the 18-month interim period, a new BNP-led government took office in February, with both countries now attempting to normalise ties.
As part of diplomatic changes, India is sending former minister Dinesh Trivedi as the next high commissioner to Dhaka.
Highlighting the farewell meeting, the High Commission said Verma reiterated India’s willingness to work closely with the people and government of Bangladesh.
It said the aim was to strengthen people-focused cooperation across all areas, in line with the development priorities of both countries and on the basis of mutual interest and benefit.
The statement added that the foreign minister thanked the high commissioner for his contributions to bilateral relations and wished him success in his new assignment.
The ministry said the foreign minister reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to a mutually beneficial and forward-looking relationship with India, and also wished Verma success in his future endeavours.
