Terming Bangabandhu an ideal of pluralism and democracy, visiting Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said Bangladesh is a development partner of his country.

“Our partnership is comprehensive and vibrant,” President Kovind said when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met him at his palace of residence at Hotel Sonargaon here.

PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

The Indian President said he is happy to be in Bangladesh as it marks three great occasions -- Bangabandhu Birth Centenary, Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence and 50 Years of Indo-Bangla Diplomatic Relations.

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Talking about the pandemic, the Indian President said Covid-19 is an “unseen power” that destroyed everything.

He said Bangladesh was the first country to receive Covid-19 vaccine from India and thanked Bangladesh for sending medicines to India to tackle the virus.

The Indian President hoped that Bangladesh will emerge as a more prosperous and developed country under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.

Appreciating Bangladesh’s support to India in different international forums, Kovind said the Bangabandhu-Bapuji joint digital exhibition was remarkable.

“And Bangabandhu Chair has been established in Delhi University,” he said, adding that India is focusing on connectivity between the two countries.

The Indian President thanked Sheikh Hasina for sending a very good gift of mangoes to Indian leaders.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh considers India as a great friend and recalled the crucial role played by the Indian government and their people during Bangladesh’s War of Liberation in 1971 led by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She described 2021 as a landmark year for Bangladesh as the country is celebrating the Birth Centenary, Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence and 50th anniversary of the establishment of Indo-Bangla diplomatic relations.

Hasina recalled the historic and successful visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March this year to join the celebrations of the three events.

“The exchange of visits between the two countries, even amid the Covid-19 situation, is the testimony of the warm relationship between the two countries,” Hasina said.

Speaking about the enhancing contact, she said the communications between the two countries through various got snapped after 1965 India and Pakistan war and emphasized the need for restoring those.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in various areas despite the current pandemic situation.

“Both the countries supported each other by sending medicines, vaccines and Covid-19 protective equipment as a goodwill gesture and symbol of cooperation.”

Upholding the secular character of Bangladesh, Hasina said: “Religion is for individuals but festivals for all; and all are free here to enjoy their own religious rights and perform rituals as there is no barrier in Bangladesh.

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Indian State Minister for Education Subhash Sarker, Rajdeep Roy, MP, Indian President’s Secretary KD Tripathi, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami were present from Indian side.

Agriculture Minister M Abdur Razzaque, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and PMO secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present from the Bangladesh side.