Dhaka, March 3 (NationPress) Pranay Verma, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, engaged in multiple discussions with ministers from the newly-established Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, led by Tarique Rahman, focusing on avenues to strengthen bilateral collaboration between the two nations.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka reported that Verma met with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives of Bangladesh. They explored numerous areas of mutual importance, particularly in enhancing cooperation within local governance frameworks and initiatives for rural development.

Both parties reached a consensus to bolster bilateral interactions in sectors such as the rural economy, agricultural cooperatives, and grassroots financial empowerment.

“The High Commissioner emphasized that the foundation of India-Bangladesh relations lies in the connections between their peoples. He reiterated India’s readiness to engage with Bangladesh in a positive, constructive, and forward-thinking manner to foster people-centric collaboration across various domains based on mutual interests and benefits,” stated the Indian High Commission via X.

Earlier that day, Verma met Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, the Minister for Liberation War Affairs in Bangladesh, reaffirming the strong historical ties that bind the two nations, deeply rooted in their shared sacrifices during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

“They highlighted the significance of collaboration grounded in mutual respect and trust to further enhance the people-to-people connections between the two countries,” the Indian High Commission noted.

On Sunday, the Indian High Commissioner also had discussions with Salahuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Minister, where they exchanged insights on bilateral matters, particularly focusing on security cooperation.

Verma additionally met with Md. Asaduzzaman, the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in Bangladesh.

Throughout these meetings, the Indian High Commissioner expressed India’s commitment to collaborating with the ruling BNP government to strengthen cooperation centered on the needs and interests of the people across various sectors, as noted by the Indian High Commission.

Last month, Verma had an audience with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, conveying India’s desire to engage actively with the new Bangladeshi government to enhance people-centered cooperation in all areas, working together positively and constructively, grounded in mutual interest and benefit.

These interactions signify a recalibration of the relationship between India and Bangladesh, which faced challenges during the 18-month term of the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, amid rising violence against Hindu minorities and anti-India sentiments.