Pranay Verma Bids Emotional Farewell as He Leaves Dhaka
Collected Photo
After serving nearly four years as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma is leaving Dhaka to take up his new assignment as India’s ambassador to Belgium and the European Union. Before his departure, he issued an emotional written message reflecting on Bangladesh and bilateral relations between the two countries.
In his message, Verma said his tenure in Dhaka lasted longer than the usual term. He noted that during this period he closely observed Bangladesh’s changes, the perspectives of different stakeholders, and various phases of bilateral relations. He acknowledged that the time was sometimes challenging but described the overall experience as enriching and fruitful.
He said he and his wife, Manu, are leaving Bangladesh with countless unforgettable memories. He added that they have formed friendships with many people in Bangladesh that will extend well beyond diplomatic responsibilities.
Describing Bangladesh-India relations as special and unique, Verma said the two countries are bound not only by geography, history, language, and culture, but also by deep emotional ties. He particularly highlighted the memory of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War as having elevated the relationship to a distinctive level.
According to Verma, Bangladesh-India relations are built on mutual dependence and shared prosperity. He said a prosperous Bangladesh is important for India, just as a prosperous India is beneficial for Bangladesh.
He further noted that over the past 55 years, both countries have progressed significantly. He said Bangladesh and India today are more capable, confident, and ambitious than ever before. He added that cooperation in areas such as climate change, environmental challenges, and regional development will continue to play an important role in the future.
In his farewell message, he also stressed the importance of a forward-looking framework for future relations. He said the relationship should move ahead based on mutual respect, shared interests, and common welfare, aligned with present realities and new national development priorities.
He said that as two rapidly developing countries, geographical proximity is not a burden but an asset. He added that both sides must continue working to transform this proximity into new opportunities.
Expressing optimism about the future of Bangladesh-India relations, Verma said he believes well-wishers from both countries will work together to build an even stronger partnership.
Thanking the people of Bangladesh, he said that although four years is a long time, it is still not enough for the affection and emotional bond they have developed with the country and its people. He said that despite ups and downs, the warmth, love, and friendship of the people of Bangladesh will remain among their most cherished memories.
In the concluding part of his message, he expressed hope of staying in touch with friends in Bangladesh. He ended on an emotional note, saying that their paths would cross again someday and concluded on an emotional note, saying they would meet again.
