The Indian government has received formal notification from the government of Bangladesh that a decision has been taken to defer the public events being organised to celebrate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman following the detection of coronavirus cases in Bangladesh, and the larger global public health situation in this regard.
"The government of Bangladesh has advised us that fresh dates for these commemorative events will be conveyed later," MEA Official Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told media.
Expressing understanding of the circumstances that necessitates this deferment, he said India is ready to work with Bangladesh, as partners, to combat the spread of this disease in their shared neighbourhood.
The impact of this deferment applies also to the large gathering planned for March 17, at which the Prime Minister of India was invited.
Indian Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to visit Bangladesh on March 17 with a bilateral component.