ديجيتال فابلت

الوسم: appointment

  • India Names Modi Ally as Bangladesh Envoy Amid Thaw in Ties

    India has appointed seasoned politician Dinesh Trivedi as its new high commissioner to Bangladesh, marking a rare instance of selecting a non-foreign service officer for the role. This move reflects New Delhi’s effort to mend and strengthen diplomatic ties with its eastern neighbor.

    Relations between India and Bangladesh suffered after a popular uprising in 2024 led to Bangladesh’s longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing to New Delhi, where she remains. Trivedi’s appointment underscores India’s focus on rebuilding trust and influence in Bangladesh amid fierce competition from China for regional and economic dominance.

    At 75, Trivedi is a former minister of railways and health. He joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party in 2021, transitioning from a regional party in West Bengal—a crucial border state that influences India-Bangladesh relations. Modi has been actively working to expand his party’s footprint in West Bengal through local elections.

    The Indian government indicated that Trivedi would assume his diplomatic responsibilities soon. Tensions began easing after the February election brought Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to power, replacing an interim government that had leaned strongly towards China.

    Recently, Bangladesh’s foreign minister visited New Delhi to discuss increasing fuel and fertilizer supplies, boosting energy collaboration, and relaxing travel restrictions. However, a major sticking point remains India’s refusal to extradite Sheikh Hasina, continuing the complexity of bilateral relations.

  • Hitan Mehta Named New CEO of British Asian Trust

    Hitan Mehta Named New CEO of British Asian Trust

    The British Asian Trust’s Board of Trustees has announced that Hitan Mehta OBE will serve as its new CEO, taking over from Richard Hawkes OBE who has led the organization for the past decade. Hawkes has stepped down, and the board expressed gratitude for his leadership, highlighting how he grew the Trust’s reach and impact, benefiting over 18 million people across South Asia. They extended best wishes for his future endeavors.

    Hitan Mehta played a founding role in establishing the British Asian Trust in 2007, becoming its first employee. Over nearly two decades, he has closely collaborated with King Charles III, including during his tenure as The Prince of Wales. As a senior leader within the organization, Mehta has contributed to its development as a respected and innovative international charity operating throughout South Asia.

    His efforts have been instrumental in expanding the Trust’s presence globally, including its initiatives in the UK, South Asia, the Gulf, and North America. He also spearheaded efforts to increase engagement with the South Asian diaspora worldwide, building influential networks in philanthropy, finance, and business to advance the Trust’s mission.

    Hawkes remarked, “After an incredible 10 years at the British Asian Trust, I believe now is the right time to seek new challenges and pass the leadership to a trusted colleague like Mehta, with whom I’ve worked closely for many years. I am grateful to the board for the privilege of being CEO and wish the organization continued success.”

    Reflecting on his new role, Mehta stated, “It’s a true honor to step into this leadership position at such a critical moment for the British Asian Trust, especially as we navigate an important period for global efforts and the UK diaspora community.”