‘Meeting to take place between two neighbouring countries, but no date set’

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A meeting between the prime ministers of Bangladesh and India will take place, but no date or month has yet been fixed, said Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday.

He said there was no need to rush the high-level meeting and that both sides should ensure adequate preparations before it takes place.

Trivedi made the remarks while responding to journalists after paying a courtesy call on Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan at his office.

Asked about the timing of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India, the high commissioner said no date or month had been discussed.

“There has been no discussion about the date. Nothing has been discussed about the month or the date. But one thing is definite– 120 per cent– the visit will take place. There is no benefit in rushing. We have to ensure that proper preparations are made.”

Trivedi said the two prime ministers could discuss trade, water-sharing and other important bilateral issues during their meeting.

“Officials have to do the groundwork before such a summit, and there should also be implementable issues after the meeting.”

“I want it to happen tomorrow. Why wait until November? It could happen tomorrow. But honestly, no date has been fixed, nor has any month been decided. It will happen– that is certain,” the Indian envoy said.

Earlier, Trivedi also dismissed as inaccurate a newspaper report concerning a possible visit to Bangladesh by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The comment that appeared in the newspaper is not correct. You will see what happens in the future.”

Trivedi said people in both countries primarily want better education, healthcare, employment opportunities and improved living standards.