Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah bids farewell, cites mutual trust in India tenure
Synopsis
As Bangladesh's outgoing High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah wraps up an 18-month New Delhi posting, his farewell — marked by a meeting with EAM Jaishankar and posts on X from both sides — comes amid a cluster of high-level India-Bangladesh diplomatic engagements, suggesting both nations are signalling a willingness to keep ties stable despite a complex bilateral backdrop.
Key Takeaways
Riaz Hamidullah concluded his tenure as Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India after an 18-month posting in New Delhi .
Jaishankar for a farewell call; Jaishankar appreciated his contribution to India-Bangladesh ties .
Hamidullah joined as envoy in April 2025 , previously serving as Secretary, West , in Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
India's High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi held meetings with Bangladesh's Humaiun Kobir and Ahmed Aazam Khan in late September and early October 2026.
The MEA reiterated on 22 September 2026 that India seeks a 'positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship' with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's outgoing High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, on Sunday, 4 October 2026, reflected on his diplomatic tenure in New Delhi, saying he sought to quietly steady and advance India-Bangladesh bilateral relations grounded in mutual trust, dignity, and shared benefits. His remarks came as he concluded an 18-month posting that spanned a delicate period in ties between the two neighbours.
Hamidullah's Farewell Remarks
In a post on X, Hamidullah wrote: 'During the eighteen months' stint in India as Bangladesh Envoy, tried to quietly steady and advance Bangladesh-India relations premised on mutual trust - dignity - shared benefits, to endure for a long haul, in 'shared interests'. Not walking conventional paths of diplomacy, trying to touch the chords with people.'
The outgoing envoy made these remarks following a farewell meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who in turn acknowledged his efforts on X: 'Pleased to receive Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for a farewell call. Appreciate his contribution and wish him all the best in future endeavours.'
Hamidullah's Diplomatic Background
Hamidullah assumed charge as Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India in April 2025. Before his New Delhi posting, he served as Secretary, West, in Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs — a senior role focused on the country's western diplomatic engagements, including with India.
Recent Diplomatic Activity Between the Two Nations
Hamidullah's farewell coincides with a broader uptick in bilateral engagement. On 30 September 2026, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, with discussions focusing on deepening bilateral cooperation for mutually beneficial outcomes. The Indian mission noted that Trivedi conveyed congratulations to Kobir on his assumption of charge.
A day later, on 1 October 2026, Trivedi also met Bangladesh's Minister of Liberation War Affairs Ahmed Aazam Khan in Dhaka, with both sides reaffirming longstanding ties and exchanging views on matters of mutual interest.
India's Stated Position on Bangladesh Ties
At a media briefing on 22 September 2026, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi's stance: 'India desires a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh. And, we are ready to discuss all issues, bilateral issues, within the structured mechanisms that we have right now. So that is our intent.'
Notably, this string of diplomatic meetings signals that both sides are actively working to maintain functional engagement even as broader questions about the bilateral relationship's trajectory remain under watch. With a new Bangladesh envoy expected to take charge, the direction of India-Bangladesh ties will be closely tracked in the months ahead.
Point of View
Which have navigated turbulence over trade, water-sharing, and political transitions in Dhaka. The cluster of back-to-back meetings between Indian and Bangladeshi officials in late September and early October suggests both sides are managing optics carefully as a new envoy prepares to take charge. Whether the warm farewell translates into substantive progress on pending bilateral issues — including river-water treaties and border management — remains the real test. Diplomatic courtesy and diplomatic outcomes are two different things.
NationPress
4 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. He is concluding his 18-month diplomatic posting in New Delhi, with his departure marking a routine end of tenure rather than any political rupture.
What did EAM Jaishankar say about Hamidullah's tenure?
EAM S. Jaishankar said he was 'pleased to receive Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for a farewell call' and appreciated his contribution to India-Bangladesh ties, extending best wishes for his future endeavours — in a post on X following their meeting.
What is the current state of India-Bangladesh relations?
India has stated it seeks a 'positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship' with Bangladesh, as reiterated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on 22 September 2026. Both sides have held multiple diplomatic meetings in late September and early October 2026, signalling active engagement.
What meetings did India's High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi hold in Bangladesh?
Dinesh Trivedi met Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on 29 September 2026, discussing deepening bilateral cooperation. He also met Minister of Liberation War Affairs Ahmed Aazam Khan on 30 September 2026, reaffirming longstanding ties between the two countries.
What diplomatic background did Riaz Hamidullah bring to his India posting?
Before serving as High Commissioner to India, Hamidullah held the position of Secretary, West, in Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs — a senior role covering the country's diplomatic engagement with its western neighbours, prominently including India.
