Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pankaj Saran on Monday said the people of Bangladesh will decide their own future, and hoped that the democratic institutions and democratic process will be strengthened in the coming weeks and run-up to the elections.“It’s for the people of Bangladesh to decide their future. We’re confident about the wisdom of the people of Bangladesh. So far as fact is concerned, as a neighbour and well-wisher of the people of Bangladesh, we hope, in the coming weeks and run-up to the elections, democratic institutions and democratic process will be strengthened,” the envoy said.
The Indian diplomat came up with the remarks after a meeting with new Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali at the latter’s office.
Pankaj Saran said they look forward to further strengthening relationship between the two countries and the people of the two countries in the time ahead. “I assured him that as a High Commissioner I’ll work with him and his team to take this relationship forward,” the diplomat said.
Considering Mahmud Ali as an experienced diplomat, he said, “I’m confident that under his (FM) leadership we’ll be able to make progress and continue it in the path of further strengthening, broadening and deepening our relationship.”
He said they had a very warm meeting and mentioned that the new Foreign Minister has a lot of well-wishers and goodwill in India as he served in India.
As comment sought about the meeting with Prime Minister’s younger sister Sheikh Rehana, Pankaj saran said, “I would not like to make comment on that. We don’t normally comment.”
Earlier on November 11, the spokesperson of the Indian High Commission here said, “In a multiparty democracy, such as Bangladesh, differences are best resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.”
This will strengthen democratic institutions and contribute to the realisation of the goals of peace, stability and development in Bangladesh, the spokesperson said mentioning, “It’s for the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future. India supports holding free and fair elections in Bangladesh.” – UNB
