Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today expressed hope that Bangladesh-India bilateral ties would be further strengthened and cooperation expanded in areas of mutual interest and for the welfare of the peoples of the two countries. He made these remarks during a courtesy call by Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Moyeen Khan emphasized the significance of advancing the historic and close ties between the peoples of Bangladesh and India. During the meeting, the Indian envoy congratulated Dr Moyeen Khan on his new role and extended greetings on the 48th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The discussions also included expanding trade and economic cooperation, with a particular focus on the prospects of a free trade arrangement. Dr Moyeen Khan highlighted the necessity of strengthening people-to-people contacts to elevate bilateral relations in the future.
The Indian high commissioner expressed interest in capacity building and experience-sharing in the local government sector. He suggested that Bangladeshi officials and representatives could benefit from training and experience exchange on local government management through a training institute in Hyderabad, India.
Subsequently briefing reporters, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam mentioned India’s interest in utilizing Bangladesh’s experience in the local government election process. He noted that discussions could lead to India sending observers to Bangladesh. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and impartial local government elections, stating that polls for all five tiers of local government would be completed within the current fiscal year.
The meeting was attended by Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Kumar Tulshidas Badhe, along with senior officials from the ministry and the High Commission.