Asian Confluence Hosts Roundtable Interaction with H.E. Mr. M. Riaz Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India
Asian Confluence, a leading think tank based in Shillong, hosted a closed-door roundtable interaction with His Excellency Mr. M. Riaz Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, on July 28, 2025. The event brought together key stakeholders from Shillong for a candid and forward-looking dialogue on India-Bangladesh relations, with a special focus on sub-regional cooperation, border haats, and the service economy.
The programme commenced with welcome remarks by Shri Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence, who underscored the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and geographical linkages between Northeast India and Bangladesh.
Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Former Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Former High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Member of the Governing Council of Asian Confluence, delivered the opening address. She emphasized the significance of Bangladesh’s perception of Northeast India and the need to foster greater awareness and connectivity.
In his Distinguished Address, H.E. Mr. M. Riaz Hamidullah reflected on the growing importance of Bangladesh’s young and dynamic demographic. He further highlighted the principles of dignity, equity, and mutual benefit as essential pillars of bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. The roundtable witnessed a vibrant and insightful moderated interaction featuring several eminent participants: Dr. Mukul Sangma, former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, shared his thoughts on border haats and stressed the need to address the economic vulnerabilities on both side’s of the border. Shri L Rymbui, Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties and expressed concern over the declining trade volumes between Bangladesh and Meghalaya. Smt. Patricia Mukhim, Editor, Shillong Times, raised pertinent questions about recent political developments in Bangladesh and how India is perceived by the people of Bangladesh. Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA, East Jaintia Hills, offered perspectives from communities living in close proximity to the international border, stressing the need to address ground-level border issues effectively.
Other distinguished dignitaries who contributed to the discussion included Shri. Ruhul Amin, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Guwahati, Dr. Binayak Dutta, Honorary Senior Fellow, Asian Confluence, Shri Sanjoy Hazarika; Shri Manas Chaudhuri, Former Cabinet Minister; Ambassador Riewad Warjri, Distinguished Fellow, Asian Confluence; Shri Munish Singh, Zonal Director (North East), ICCR; Smt. N. G. Shylla, Senior GA, Advocate General, Government of Meghalaya; Shri Golan S. Naluk; Shri Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya & Commissioner of Division, Shri. Wilfred Warshong, Deputy Director, Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Meghalaya, Smti Monica Chanda, Shri. R M Khongwir, Chief General Manager, Marketing, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Smti. N G Shylla, Senior, GA, Advocate General, Government of Meghalaya and Shri BDR Tiwari, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Meghalaya.
The interaction reaffirmed Asian Confluence’s steadfast commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and cross-border collaboration for a more connected, peaceful, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region.