Sadik Sagar, Dhaka:
Bangladesh and India have resumed official-level discussions on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to New Delhi, with late November or early December emerging as a potential timeframe for the long-awaited high-level engagement.
Citing diplomatic sources, The Hindu reported on Friday that officials from both countries have restarted discussions in Dhaka and New Delhi to finalize the agenda and arrangements for the proposed visit.
The renewed initiative comes after bilateral relations faced strains over developments involving former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying in New Delhi since leaving Bangladesh following the mass uprising. A previously discussed window of August 20–25 for Tarique’s visit was reportedly postponed amid heightened tensions surrounding Hasina’s public appearances and statements.
According to diplomatic sources, the agenda under discussion could include regularizing bilateral trade affected by political uncertainty and addressing issues related to the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty. These issues are likely to test how far the two sides can translate the renewed diplomatic engagement into practical outcomes.
Both governments also appear to be taking steps to create a more conducive environment for the proposed visit. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has held meetings with senior Bangladesh government officials, including Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin.
Foreign Affairs State Minister Humaiun Kobir has said Dhaka wants to “reset” relations with New Delhi and prefers a bilateral visit by the prime minister at a suitable time rather than linking it to a multilateral event.
Recent developments in India, including the cancellation of a New Delhi seminar featuring Awami League leader Selim Mahmud and the cancellation of a planned meeting involving Sheikh Hasina, have also been viewed in Dhaka as potentially conducive to renewed engagement, although the circumstances behind those decisions remain subject to differing reports.
Against this backdrop, Modi’s public acknowledgment of Tarique’s birthday wishes adds a modest diplomatic signal of communication at the leadership level, while the proposed visit could provide a broader platform to address outstanding bilateral issues.
