India-Bangladesh celebrate `Maitri Diwas` |
December 6, 2021 marked 50 years since India became the first country to recognise the birth of a brand-new nation on its eastern border. India decided to formally acknowledge the new country even before its liberation. So, this day is commemorated by the two nations each year as `Maitri Diwas` or `Friendship Day, adding one more layer to the memory of Bangladesh`s 1971 war of independence from Pakistan and India`s role in its liberation. The decision to mark Maitri Divas was taken by the two prime ministers, during Narendra Modi`s visit to Dhaka in March 2021. Foreign office spokesman Arindam Bagchi said the holding of Maitri Diwas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that have been forged in blood and shared sacrifices. The occasion will be observed in 18 countries across the world. Meetings, exhibitions, and seminars will be organized by either the Indian or Bangladesh missions in the UK, Australia, Singapore, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, and the US. Sheikh Hasina and her ruling Awami League remember with gratitude India and former prime minister Indira Gandhi`s pivotal role in the struggle for independence. Unlike the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Sheikh Hasina has made friendship with India the center stage of her foreign policy in the region. This policy has paid rich dividends to both countries, though she was constantly derided by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its ally the Jamaat for taking dictation from New Delhi. India and Bangladesh`s ties have flourished with better connectivity between the two neighbors. Yet there are headwinds but so far, the political leadership in both the capitals has exhibited remarkable maturity. The Indian government has announced that President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Bangladesh on December 16 for the Victory day celebrations of the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. Speaking at a virtual event, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the relationship between the two countries has remained strong despite restrictions imposed due to Covid-19. She said the core of ties between the two nations needs to now concentrate on people-to-people contact, trade, business, and connectivity. The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a State visit to Bangladesh in March this year to join in the celebrations. Bangladesh and India are celebrating the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which is being said as a milestone in the journey of bilateral ties. India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state on December 6, 1971. Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that the India and Bangladesh “grand partnership” has further strengthened, diversified, and expanded in recent years due to high-level political exchanges.
|
|
|
|