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For Dhaka, New Delhi is too important to be left to career diplomats
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For Dhaka, New Delhi is too important to be left to career diplomats

The Indian Express·IE Online·about 1 month ago
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On Tuesday, India formally confirmed the appointment of Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union minister and seasoned parliamentarian as its next High Commissioner to Bangladesh. This is anything but routine staffing — at least, that’s the reading here in Dhaka. New Delhi appears to have decided that relations with Dhaka can no longer be managed by diplomatic process alone. They now require political management. Bangladesh should take the hint and reciprocate. For years, Dhaka was the preserve of career diplomats: Discreet officials trained to manage a difficult but stable relationship. That settlement has frayed. Trade spats, visa curbs, border killings, water disputes and strategic suspicion now land directly in domestic politics. Public sentiment in both countries is sharper, less patient and more easily inflamed. A bureaucratic note verbale is often no match for a televised grievance. Bangladesh’s own politics has changed the equation.…

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