Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (DD)

New Delhi, May 30: Bringing an end to an eight-month diplomatic void, Bangladesh has appointed seasoned diplomat Riaz Hamidullah as its new High Commissioner to India. In a formal ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, Hamidullah presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu, officially taking charge of his high-profile assignment in New Delhi.

Sharing the moment on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Hamidullah wrote, “In presenting credentials to Honourable India President in Delhi, underlined uniquely diverse ties that bind people in Bangladesh & India, beyond trade. So much to explore, tap and build on, to redeem a vision of ‘shared prosperity’.”

The post had been lying vacant since October 2024 after the abrupt recall of former envoy Mostafizur Rahman to Dhaka by the interim administration. The diplomatic shake-up at the time had also included withdrawals of Bangladeshi envoys from key missions in Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, and the United Nations headquarters in New York, raising questions about the country’s diplomatic continuity.

The appointment of Hamidullah, who brings with him years of experience and expertise in strategic affairs, is being viewed as a stabilising move in Bangladesh’s foreign policy approach. His arrival is expected to infuse fresh energy into bilateral discussions between India and Bangladesh, particularly in areas of trade, regional connectivity, water-sharing, and border security.

Diplomatic observers say Hamidullah’s track record in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes will be crucial in strengthening ties that extend beyond government-to-government relations, touching upon deep-rooted cultural, linguistic, and economic bonds shared by the two neighbours.

The timing of his appointment is seen as significant, as India and Bangladesh continue to collaborate on key regional projects and work towards maintaining stability and cooperation in South Asia.