Momen not going to India with PM, cites “illness” as reason: Official

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has cancelled the plans to go to India with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her four-day state visit to India at the invitation of Narendra Modi.

According to media reports, health issues were cited as the reason for the foreign minister to cancel this highly anticipated official visit which is taking place amid the Ukraine crisis, global economic downturn and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as the two South Asian neighbors seek enhanced cooperation to overcome the challenges.

“He (Momen) is feeling unwell. He didn’t go with the PM,” said an official today (September 5, 2022).

At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bangladesh PM Hasina is paying a state visit to New Delhi from September 5 to 8.

Hasina is visiting India after three years. She last visited India in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out.

The latest visit is significant for both Bangladesh and India, said the government of Bangladesh.

The visit will further strengthen the multifaceted relationship between the two countries based on strong historical, cultural ties, mutual trust and understanding, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.