Bangladesh envoy meets CM Mamata, discusses border trade, Teesta water, and cultural ties at Nabanna

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna on Monday for a courtesy meeting. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh, with emphasis on cross-border cooperation, trade facilitation, transport connectivity, and cultural exchanges. Given Bengal’s shared border with Bangladesh, the envoy highlighted the scope for deeper engagement at the regional level.

Key topics included border district development, trade enhancement, and improved transport links to ease movement between the two countries. The High Commissioner expressed interest in promoting people-to-people contact through cultural and economic initiatives. Both sides discussed expanding educational exchange programmes and boosting tourism by leveraging historical and cultural links between Bengal and Bangladesh.

The matter of river water sharing, especially the Teesta water dispute, was also raised during the meeting. While the issue was discussed, no official statement was released on any resolution or further action. The Teesta river remains a critical point of negotiation between the two countries, particularly for West Bengal and Bangladesh’s northern regions.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reaffirmed West Bengal’s role in maintaining cordial relations with Bangladesh. She referred to the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two regions and conveyed the state’s support in continuing collaboration. The meeting concluded with mutual interest in advancing cooperation across sectors of common interest.