Outgoing Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma has paid courtesy calls on Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon.
The discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation, enhancing media exchanges, and deepening people‑to‑people ties between the two neighbouring countries.
At the meeting with Speaker Hafiz Uddin at the Jatiya Sangsad, Pranay Verma congratulated him on being elected Speaker and presented a constitution and commemorative gift on behalf of the Indian government.
He said the Parliamentary Friendship Group could play an important role in building bridges between the two countries, and that bilateral exchanges of parliamentary delegations would further advance diplomatic ties.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin said Bangladesh and India forged strong bilateral relations during the Liberation War of 1971, when India fully supported Bangladesh.
He noted India is Bangladesh’s closest neighbour, and its backing for nominating Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st UN General Assembly session reflected a cooperative and generous approach.
The Speaker described the current parliament as vibrant, with the opposition playing an active role, and stressed the need to identify areas of cooperation to strengthen parliamentary relations.
The meeting emphasised constructive discussions on Bangladesh‑India relations, economic cooperation, connectivity, and enhancing people‑to‑people contact.
Senior officials from the Indian High Commission, the Parliament Secretariat, and other departments attended the meeting.
Pranay Verma also met Information Minister Zahir Uddin and discussed wide‑ranging cooperation in the information and broadcasting sector, including engagements between media and broadcasting institutions of both countries.
Both sides agreed to enhance exchange visits of media delegations to strengthen people‑to‑people relations and promote mutual understanding.
In the meeting, the high commissioner proposed capacity‑building initiatives for journalists and media professionals under India’s ITEC programme, including a special training course for Bangladeshi women journalists to be held in India.
They also exchanged views on cooperation in films, including screenings, festivals, and collaboration in production and post‑production technology.
Pranay Verma reiterated India’s willingness to work with Bangladesh to strengthen people‑centric cooperation across all domains based on mutual interest and benefit.
