Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah bids farewell to Foreign Secretary Misri in New Delhi
Synopsis
Bangladesh's outgoing High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah wrapped up his eighteen-month India posting with farewell calls on both Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and EAM S. Jaishankar — a dual send-off that reflects the diplomatic weight both sides place on the bilateral relationship, even as India-Bangladesh ties navigate a period of regional recalibration.
Key Takeaways
Riaz Hamidullah , Bangladesh's outgoing High Commissioner to India, met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi on 7 October 2026 for a farewell call.
Both sides reviewed the full range of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations and cooperation under existing institutional mechanisms.
Hamidullah served as Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India since April 2025 , an eighteen-month posting.
Before the Misri meeting, Hamidullah had also met EAM S.
Jaishankar on 4 October , who acknowledged his contribution to bilateral ties.
India has reiterated its commitment to a positive, constructive, and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh through existing structured mechanisms.
Bangladesh's outgoing High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, held a farewell meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, as Hamidullah concluded his diplomatic posting in India. The two officials reviewed the full spectrum of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations and cooperation under existing institutional frameworks, according to a post by the Bangladesh High Commission.
What Was Discussed
During the farewell call at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides acknowledged the importance of diverse people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring nations. They expressed confidence that ongoing collective efforts would yield 'meaningful and impact-driven collaboration in shared interests,' the Bangladesh High Commission stated in an official post on X (formerly Twitter).
Hamidullah's Tenure in New Delhi
Riaz Hamidullah assumed charge as Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India in April 2025, having previously served as Secretary, West, in Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During his eighteen-month stint, he described his approach as one of quietly advancing bilateral relations 'premised on mutual trust, dignity, and shared benefits,' aiming for a durable long-term partnership rather than following conventional diplomatic paths. He added that he sought to 'touch the chords with people,' underscoring an emphasis on public diplomacy.
Jaishankar's Acknowledgement
On 4 October, prior to the farewell meeting with Misri, Hamidullah had also met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who reportedly appreciated the envoy's contribution to strengthening India-Bangladesh ties and extended best wishes for his future endeavours. The back-to-back meetings with India's top diplomatic leadership signal the continued importance both countries attach to maintaining a stable bilateral channel.
India's Stated Position on Bangladesh Ties
India has consistently maintained that it seeks a positive, constructive, and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh, and remains open to discussing all bilateral issues within existing structured mechanisms. This comes amid a period of diplomatic recalibration in the region, with both governments keen to sustain momentum on trade, connectivity, and security cooperation. Hamidullah's departure marks a transition moment, with his successor yet to be formally announced.
Point of View
And the deliberate warmth of these send-off meetings suggests both sides are invested in projecting continuity even as the baton changes hands in Dhaka's diplomatic corps. What mainstream coverage underplays is the significance of Hamidullah's self-described departure from 'conventional diplomacy': a bet on public and people-level engagement over transactional state-to-state dealings. Whether his successor shares that instinct — or reverts to a more formal posture — will shape the texture of bilateral ties in the months ahead.
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Riaz Hamidullah and why is he leaving India?
Riaz Hamidullah served as Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India from April 2025 and has now concluded his tour of duty. His farewell meetings in New Delhi mark the formal end of his eighteen-month posting, after which a successor is expected to be appointed.
What was discussed in the Hamidullah-Misri farewell meeting?
The two officials reviewed the full range of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations and cooperation under existing institutional mechanisms. They also acknowledged the importance of people-to-people ties and expressed confidence in continued meaningful collaboration in shared interests.
Did Hamidullah also meet External Affairs Minister Jaishankar?
Yes. On 4 October, Hamidullah met EAM S. Jaishankar, who appreciated his contribution to India-Bangladesh ties and extended best wishes for his future. The Misri meeting on 7 October followed as a separate farewell call.
What is India's current position on its relationship with Bangladesh?
India has stated it desires a positive, constructive, and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh and is prepared to discuss all bilateral issues within existing structured mechanisms. This position has been consistently reiterated by Indian officials.
What did Hamidullah say about his approach during his India posting?
Hamidullah described his eighteen-month tenure as an effort to 'quietly steady and advance Bangladesh-India relations premised on mutual trust, dignity, and shared benefits.' He said he chose not to walk conventional diplomatic paths, instead focusing on connecting with people.
