New Delhi, August 12: Veena Sikri, former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, has emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations. She remarked that the meeting between High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman marks a positive development for bilateral relations. Sikri stated that India is committed to ensuring democracy, peace, and stability in Bangladesh.
She criticized the economic disruptions caused during Muhammad Yunus’s 18-month government, suggesting that the Tarique Rahman administration should restore the previous stability. Sikri noted, “It is encouraging that our High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi has finally met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after nearly two months in Dhaka. This meeting has taken time, but it is a positive step.”
Regarding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, Sikri mentioned that Hasina has expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh. She believes that once Hasina has made her intentions clear, further discussions about extradition are unnecessary. “She wishes to appeal against her death sentence and engage in the legal process. It is vital that all matters are resolved democratically,” Sikri added.
Sikri reiterated India’s desire for a stable and sovereign Bangladesh, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations. She pointed out the adverse effects of Yunus’s government on the economy, which led to factory closures and job losses for many women. “Bangladesh’s economic condition is quite fragile,” she remarked.
India is prepared to assist Bangladesh, with ongoing exports and support for diesel requests. Sikri emphasized the need for mutual understanding, stating, “It takes two hands to clap. The Tarique Rahman government should revert the changes made by Yunus to strengthen the relationship between our countries.”
On border security, she highlighted the previous government’s failure to complete fencing in sensitive areas. However, she noted that under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, progress is being made. “Our government has been striving to complete border fencing for years, which is crucial for national security,” Sikri explained.
Despite the lack of interest from Bangladesh in engaging in dialogue on trade and security, there have been some discussions at the BSF and BGB levels. Sikri mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Rahman to visit India, which has yet to materialize. Recently, an invitation was extended for Rahman to participate in the BRICS summit’s outreach session, given Bangladesh’s role as BIMSTEC chair.
Sikri expressed surprise that the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry did not acknowledge this invitation following the meeting with the Indian ambassador. “I find it perplexing that there was no mention of this invitation in their statements,” she concluded.
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