Narendra Modi
India will always stand by Bangladesh: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India will always stand by the progress and development of Bangladesh as a faithful friend.
He said this when he paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the evening.
Modi said Bangladesh has always been considered a trusted friend of India.
Also read: Ground-level cooperation needed to check all border incidents: Modi
He also lauded the continuous socio-economic development of Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told UNB after the meeting.
President Hamid welcomed the Indian Prime Minister at Bangabhaban and thanked him for attending the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.
He said Modi’s visit would be a unique milestone in strengthening the existing diplomatic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
During the meeting, President Hamid expressed sincere thanks to the Government of India for conferring the ‘Gandhi Peace Prize 2020’ on Bangabandhu posthumously in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
The President also thanked the Government of India for sending Coronavirus vaccine doses to Bangladesh as gift. He hoped that vaccine doses would come to Bangladesh from India on a commercial basis would also arrive in time.
Referring to India's support in 1971, the President thanked the Government and people of India for their support and cooperation in the Great War of Liberation.
Also read: Dhaka-Delhi to accelerate momentum; eye next 50 years diversified ties
The Indian PM also signed the visitors' book at Bangabhaban.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Momen, Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, among others, were present there.
Clashes in Brahmanbaria leave five dead
At least five people were killed and around 50 others, including 25 police members, injured in clashes between law enforcers and locals during demonstrations at Nandanpur in Sadar upazila on Saturday.
They staged the demonstrations against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh and chanted various slogans against his visit.
Police and witnesses said a group of activists of Hefazat-e-Islam took position on Dhaka-Sylheht Highway in Nandanpur area in the afternoon and started demonstrating right there against Modi’s visit and the killing of people in Brahmanbaria and Chittagong on Friday.
Also read: Four killed in clashes with cops in Chattogram
The clash began as the members of police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) tried to disperse them.
Hearing the news of the clash, local people also joined the demonstrations and attacked the law enforcers, forcing them to fire several rounds of bullet, leaving many people injured.
Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka
Scores of injured people were taken to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital, said Rana Nurus Shams, resident medical officer (RMO) of the hospital.
He said they have so far declared five of the injured dead.
Also read: Modi visit: Protesters clash with cops at Motijheel; 20 injured
Four of the dead were identified as a workshop owner Juru Alam, 35, day-labourers Badal Mia, 24, Sujon Mia, 22, and plumber Kausar, 25.
The identity of another dead could not be known yet.
Ground-level cooperation needed to check all border incidents: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said ground-level cooperation is needed to check all those incidents happening along the India-Bangladesh border.
The Indian Prime Minister came up with the remark when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested him to look after the matter properly so that the sad border incidents could be reduced to a zero level.
The border incidents between the two neighbouring countries were discussed during the bilateral meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
“Ground-level cooperation will help check this kind of incident,” PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted the Indian Prime Minister as saying.
Water sharing
Talking about the water-sharing of common rivers, including that of the Teesta River, Sheikh Hasina said the decision of signing the Teesta water-sharing treaty was taken jointly nine years back.
“But it’s yet to be implemented," she said adding that the people living in the vicinity of the Teesta River have been suffering a lot.
In reply, the Indian Prime Minister said, "We’re committed to a reasonable solution to sharing of water of all the rivers."
Regarding the Rohingya issue, Sheikh Hasina expected more active role of India regarding the repatriation of over one million Rohingyas.
She mentioned that the Rohingyas should be repatriated as soon as possible for preventing their involvement in drug business and terrorist activities. “The sooner the better,” she said.
Also read: Dhaka-Delhi to accelerate momentum; eye next 50 years diversified ties
In reply, Narendra Modi said Indian wants sustainable return of the refugees.
Thanks for vaccine
Sheikh Hasina thanked the Indian government for sending Covid-19 vaccine to Bangladesh and said this reflects India’s ‘neighbour first’ policy.
She said the first commercial consignment of Covid-19 vaccine has been used and hoped that the rest of the consignments will be delivered soon.
Sheikh Hasina also thanked the Indian Prime Minister for giving 1.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine as gift.
The Indian Prime Minister said that his country gifted another consignment of 1.2 million Covid-19 vaccine and 109 life-saving ambulances.
Meaningful cooperation
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh and India are the biggest producers and users countries. “So we must need to cooperate more meaningfully for this sector,” she said.
She invited foreign direct investment in state-run jute mills under the public-private partnership.
In this context, she said that indiscriminately anti-dumping duties imposition is creating unnecessary conflict between our cooperation.
She drew the attention of the Indian Prime Minister for quick solution.
The Prime Minister said that Bangladesh is keen to effectively use the Indian lines of credit. She put emphasis on axing ineffective projects from the list under the Indian line of credit.
Also read: Dhaka, Delhi ink five MoUs to boost cooperation
She asked her Indian counterpart to take steps to quickly disburse line of credit so that the projects could be implemented swiftly.
Modi put emphasis on increased contacts between entrepreneurs of the two countries.
The Indian prime minister also expressed his desire to be a partner to launch the Bangabandhu-2 satellite.
Enhanced connectivity
Sheikh Hasina said that the introduction of Moitree Setu between Bangladesh and India has added a new dimension to cooperation in the communication sector.
She said that Indian state Tripura can use Chattogram Airport alongside Chattogram and Mongla ports.
Stating some routes to connect Bangladesh with Nepal and Bhutan, Sheikh Hasina expected consideration from India.
She said that if the motor vehicles agreement among Bangladesh, India and Nepal is signed, all three countries will be benefitted.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
Important milestone
They also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries marking the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, the Press Secretary said.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister termed 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India as an important milestone.
Sheikh Hasina extended her thanks to Narendra Modi for accepting positively the proposal of Bangladesh for naming “Mujibnagar-Nadia Road” as Shadhinata Sharok.
During the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister put emphasis on expediting the ongoing projects between Bangladesh and India.
Besides, Narendra Modi said, India is going to establish “Bangabandhu Chair” at Delhi University in memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Dhaka, Delhi to accelerate momentum; eye next 50 years of diversified ties
Bangladesh and India have agreed to accelerate the momentum that exists between the countries with an eye on the next 50 years of cooperation in diversified areas.
Emphasis was also put on enhanced connectivity, not just between Bangladesh and India but beyond the two countries to ensure broader economic benefits.
“We not only need to continue the momentum, we need to accelerate the momentum,” Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said sharing the outcome of talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday evening.
Modi had a “productive meeting” with Hasina and reviewed the full range of Bangladesh-India relations and discussed ways to deepen economic and cultural linkages in the times to come.
He said Prime Minister Hasina raised the Teesta issue while the Indian Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to that end, sharing India’s sincere and continued efforts to conclude the agreement.
Also read: Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water
The Indian Foreign Secretary said cooperation in the areas of common rivers water is an important issue.
Hasina, Modi jointly open five projects
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday jointly inaugurated five projects.
They inaugurated the projects virtually after bilateral talks between Bangladesh and India that took place at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The projects are Ground-breaking ceremony for Infrastructure Development for Power Evacuation Facilities of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, introduction of a new passenger train service, ‘Mitali Express’, between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri and extended development work at Rabindra Bhawan Kuthibari in Shilaidaha, Kushtia.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
The other projects are laying the foundation stone of a monument at Ashuganj in memory of martyred members of Indian Allied Forces in Ashuganj and three new Border haats along the India-Bangladesh border.
Hasina-Modi Talks: Focus on connectivity, trade, health
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are set to have “substantive discussions” on this (Saturday) afternoon with the focus on trade, connectivity and Covid-19 cooperation.
The two South Asian countries, celebrating 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations, want to "progress together with others" in the region at a "faster pace".
Neither Bangladesh nor the Indian side specifically mentioned the bilateral instruments to be signed after the talks but disaster management, trade and oceanography are likely to be areas of cooperation documents.
The Indian Prime Minister said the next 25 years will be “crucial” for both the countries – Bangladesh and India.
Modi said his ongoing visit will contribute to even stronger bilateral relations between the two countries. “We’re committed to further deepening and diversifying our relations.”
“Connectivity is one of the issues that might get priority,” an official told UNB adding that Bangladesh wants enhanced connectivity with India and beyond.
Prime Minister Hasina will have a one-to-one meeting with her Indian counterpart at the Prime Minister’s Office before having delegation-level talks at the PMO.
Also read: Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition inaugurated in Bangladesh
In a pre-arrival statement, Modi said he will be having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following their very productive virtual meeting in December last year.
They will jointly inaugurate some joint projects virtually and witness the signing of MoUs between the two countries after the talks.
During the Hasina-Modi virtual Summit held in December last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of an interim agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts of the Government of India in that regard.
Also read: Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi
The two leaders, during the Summit, underscored the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
Modi is scheduled to visit Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, before holding talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna, to pay tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara. He is the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place.
The Indian Prime Minister said he will pay homage to Bangabandhu, alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the ongoing Mujib Borsho celebrations.
He will place a wreath at the Complex, plant a sapling and sign visitors’ book there after visiting the Mausoleum.
He will be offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition.
"I’m particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri SriHarichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message," Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi, as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh, met senior political leaders from the 14-Party Alliance on Friday.
Senior Awami Leaders Amir Hossain Amu, MP and Tofail Ahmed, MP; Syed Nazibul Maizvandary, MP, Rashed Khan Menon, MP, Hasanul Haq Inu, MP, Pirjadda Mostafa Amir Faisal Mozaddedi, Fazle Hossain Badsha, MP, Syed Tayabul Maizvandary, Shirin Akhter, MP and Sharif Nurul Ambia were among the 14-party leaders.
Discussions centred on diverse issues of bilateral relations were held during the meeting to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Modi also interacted with Opposition Leader in Parliament Raushan Ershad, MP, Ghulam Muhammed Quader, MP, Ziauddin Bablu and Ruhul Amin Howlader.
The engagement involved discussions on a wide gamut of issues pertaining to the two countries' bilateral relations.
Also read: Bangladesh proved them all wrong: Modi
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen met Prime Minister Narendra Modiand they both reflected on deepening the fraternal ties and strengthening the all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that transcends a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Modi met the community leaders, including representatives of minorities in Bangladesh, Freedom Fighters, friends of India and youth icons.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Dhaka on Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and together celebrated Mujib Borsho- the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Ministers from her cabinet welcomed Prime Minister Modi. A salute of 19 guns and Guard of honour were accorded to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Soon after his arrival, Modi visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial and paid tributes to the martyrs Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
Prime Minister Modi also planted an Arjun sapling on the memorial premises and signed the visitor’s book in the monument.
He wrote, "I pray that the eternal flame at Savar remains a lasting reminder of the noble victory of truth and courage over deceit and oppression.”
Modi will meet President Abdul Hamid before leaving Dhaka by a special flight on Saturday evening.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen will see him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Bangladesh proved them all wrong: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Bangladesh has proven all of them wrong who had objected to its creation, looked down upon the people and had apprehensions about the existence of the country.
“I am pleased that under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s able leadership, Bangladesh is showing its dynamism to the world,” he said.
Modi said the world did not talk as much about the cruelty, oppression and atrocities of ‘Operation Searchlight’ as it should have.
He was addressing the special programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, among others, were present.
The Indian Prime Minister was pleased that many Indian soldiers who were part of the Liberation War were also there with them at the special event.
“The struggle for the Liberation of Bangladesh was also one of the first movements that I took part in," Modi said, adding: “I must have been 22 or 23 years old, when along with many of my friends, I did satyagraha, (a form of passive resistance), for the liberation of the people of Bangladesh.”
As part of his efforts to support the liberation of Bangladesh, he also courted arrest and had a taste of life in prison.
“That is to say, there was as much of a longing for Bangladesh’s freedom in India, as there was in Bangladesh," Modi said.
Also read: Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi
The images of the heinous crimes and atrocities committed by the Pakistani army here, made their blood boil too, and gave them countless sleepless nights!
Inspired by the common legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian Prime Minister said they have no time to lose, they must move forward for change, and they cannot delay any further.
He said the two countries' goals are common; therefore, their efforts should also be united. “We therefore need to further boost our efforts, add new dimensions to them, and take them to new heights,” he said.
Modi said he is confident that India and Bangladesh together will progress at a fast pace. “The love that you have showered on me, the brotherhood for India, this feeling of oneness – I will most certainly convey this to every Indian.”
The Indian Prime Minister, upon arrival here, visited National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar and paid tributes to martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. He signed Visitors' Book there after planting a sapling.
Also read: Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition inaugurated in Bangladesh
"On behalf of the people of India, I pray that the eternal flame at Savar remains a lasting reminder of the noble victory of truth and courage over deceit and oppression," he wrote.
He said their valour will continue to inspire future generations to fight injustice and defend the cause of righteousness.
"May every visitor to this revered ground honour the sacred memory of the millions who were slain but not silenced," Modi wrote.
Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for unity to fight against the ideologies and forces behind ‘inhuman acts’ such as terrorism, saying they are active even today.
“The ideologies and forces behind these inhuman acts are active even today. We not only need to be alert, but also need to stay united to fight them,” he said.
Modi said Bangladesh and India have a common heritage, common development, common goals and common challenges too.
“We must remember that though we have similar possibilities in the area of trade and development, we also face similar threats, such as terrorism,” he said.
Modi said both countries have the power of democracy and a clear vision for moving forward.
“India and Bangladesh moving forward together is equally important for the development of the entire region,” he said at the special programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, among others, were present.
The Indian Prime Minister said Bangladesh has proven all of those people wrong who had objected to its creation, looked down upon its people and had apprehensions about its existence.
“I’m pleased that under Sheikh Hasina’s able leadership, Bangladesh is showing its dynamism to the world,” he said.
He said the world did not talk as much about the cruelty, oppression and atrocities of ‘Operation Searchlight’ as it should have.
Inspired by the common legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian Prime Minister said they have no time to lose, they must move forward for change, and they cannot delay any further.
He said the two countries' goals are common and therefore, their efforts should also be united. “We need to further boost our efforts, add new dimensions to them, and take them to new heights,” Modi said.
Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka
The Indian Prime Minister said he is confident that India and Bangladesh together will progress at a fast pace. “The love that you have showered on me, the brotherhood for India, this feeling of oneness – I’ll most certainly convey this to every Indian.”
“I’m pleased that you’ve included me in the celebrations of this important milestone in the development journey of Bangladesh,” Modi said.
He paid tribute to Bangabandhu, who dedicated his whole life for Bangladesh and its people.
“For us Indians, it is a matter of pride that we had the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur with the Gandhi Peace Prize.”
Connecting Youth
Modi said that in order to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations, it is equally important to have a better connection between the youth of both countries.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India-Bangladesh relations, he invited 50 young entrepreneurs from Bangladesh to India.
“They should come to India, connect with our start up and innovation ecosystems, meet our venture capitalists. We too will learn from them, and they too will get an opportunity to learn,” he said.
Modi remembered the hundreds of thousands of sons and daughters of Bangladesh who suffered countless atrocities, who shed their blood, and put their lives at stake for their nation, their language, their culture.
He said those who shed their blood in the War of Liberation and sacrificed their lives, played a very big role in making the dream of an independent Bangladesh come true.
“The government of Bangladesh has dedicated a war memorial to honour the memory of these brave martyrs in Ashuganj. I express my gratitude to you for that,” he said.
Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka
Modi was pleased that many Indian soldiers who were part of the Liberation War were also there with them today at the special event. “The struggle for the Liberation of Bangladesh was also one of the first movements that I took part in,” he recalled.
“I must have been 22 or 23 years old, when along with many of my friends, I did satyagraha (a form of passive resistance) for the liberation of the people of Bangladesh.”
As part of his efforts to support the liberation of Bangladesh, he was also arrested and sent to prison. “That is to say, there was as much of a longing for Bangladesh’s freedom in India, as there was in Bangladesh.”
“The images of the heinous crimes and atrocities committed by the Pakistani army here made our blood boil too, and gave us countless sleepless nights,” Modi said.
In India, Modi said they still remember how Bangabandhu after being released from jail in Pakistan came to India on his way back to Bangladesh. “The speech he made in Delhi is still talked about by many.”
Modi said Bangabandhu had become emotional when speaking about Bangladesh’s independence, and the sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh and India. He had tears in his eyes.
“Those tears were a symbol of the emotional bond between India and Bangladesh, they were a testimony to our relations.”
He said it is their responsibility to cherish the emotions behind those tears of Bangabandhu, and to keep them alive. “The future of India and Bangladesh, is just waiting for countless such moments full of goodwill, and of mutual trust.”
Modi said it is a happy coincidence that the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s liberation and the milestone of 75th year of India’s independence have arrived together. “For both of our countries, in the 21st Century, our journey over the next 25 years, will be very important.”
The two countries have worked together to create the SAARC Covid Fund, and coordinated training for human resources.
“India is very pleased that Made in India vaccines have been helpful for our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh,” Modi said.
India needs to play leading role in building stable, vibrant S Asia: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said India, the largest country in the region, needs to play a pioneering role in building a stable and politically-economically vibrant South Asia.
“If we move forward hand in hand, the development of our people is inevitable,” she said while chairing the closing ceremony of the 10-day festival in presence of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as the guest of honour.
President Abdul Hamid attended the concluding ceremony in the city’s National Parade Square as the Chief Guest.
The 10-day nationwide programme started on March 17 with the theme ‘Mujib Eternal’, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence in the Mujib Year.
Sheikh Hasina said South Asia is the most densely-populated area but there are huge resources in this region. “If we all utilise the resources, we’ll be able to build it as a hunger-poverty-free region,” she noted.
She urged all to make a vow to work together forgetting all differences for the welfare of the peoples in South Asia.
“At this auspicious moment of celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of independence of Bangladesh, let us pledge to forget all differences and work together for the welfare of our peoples,” she said.
“Our foreign policy formulated by the Father of the Nation is that ‘Friendship to All and Malice towards None’. We’re determined to establish South Asia a developed and prosperous region,” the Prime Minister said.
Relations with India reaches new heights
Sheikh Hasina said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India have escalated to new heights. “Our relations with India have now escalated to new heights,” she added.
Lauding Narendra Modi’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy, she said, “He sent coronavirus vaccines as gift to the neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, which was a reflection of that policy of Modiji.”
She said Bangladesh has increased cooperation with India in various sectors including trade and commerce, communication, power, energy, and agriculture during the last few years. “India has now become one of our development partners,” she added.
The Maitree Bridge over Feni River has recently been inaugurated to increase connectivity between the North-Eastern Indian states and Bangladesh. These Indian states are now able to use the Seaport and Airport of Chattogram, she said adding that India can also use the Mongla port.
Hasina said Bangladesh has graduated from the status of least developed country to a developing country due to her government’s relentless efforts in the last 12 years. “We’re taking Bangladesh on the track of prosperity by overcoming multiple obstacles,” she added.
Also read: Independence Day: PM Hasina pays homage to Bangabandhu
She said her government wants to make Bangladesh an upper-middle-income country by 2031 and a developed and prosperous one by 2041.
Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu’s eldest daughter, said Bangabandhu was a great believer in regional cooperation. “In addition to the political freedom of the oppressed people of the world, he dreamed of economic emancipation. That made him emphasise regional cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and equality,” she added.
She expressed gratitude to the Indian government and the Prime Minister for awarding the prestigious ‘Gandhi Peace Prize-2020’ to Bangabandhu at this very auspicious moment.
“I must say, India indeed honoured a worthy leader in South Asia as well as a real fellow of Gandhiji through this award,” she said.
She also thanked the government and the people of India as India is providing 109 ambulances to Bangladesh this time as a gift of their amicable gesture for the people of Bangladesh.
Noting that Indian government always remains beside Bangladesh, she said every Indian political party and the people of India, irrespective of their creed and views, become united regarding any issue of Bangladesh and stand beside the people of Bangladesh.
“India is not only our next-door neighbour, we’ve historical, social, cultural, heritage, and geographical rapports with this country,” she said.
Recollecting that the people and the Government of India were immensely involved in the evolution process of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, “The self-sacrifice (of a notable number of Indian soldiers), support, and cooperation of the people of India during our Liberation War will never be forgotten. We gratefully recollect that contribution.”
In recognition of outstanding contribution to the Liberation War, Bangladesh dedicated the ‘Independence Award’ to late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the ‘Liberation War Friendship Award’ to 225 Indian citizens including the ‘Liberation War Award’ to former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said.
On the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, and 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations, the two countries have decided to hold several joint programmes, she said.
Besides, the Indian government has taken the initiative of the Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition commemorating the two most-reputed leaders of this subcontinent Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib and Mahatma Gandhi, she continued.
Sheikh Hasina extended her sincere thanks to the Indian Prime Minister for attending this festival amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “We always recall with respect the contribution of India to our liberation. So, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi glorified our event attending it as the guest of honour,” she said.
At the event, Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana accompanied by Sheikh Hasina received the prestigious ‘Gandhi Peace Prize-2020’ from Narendra Modi, which was conferred on Bangabandhu.
The Indian Prime Minister was honoured with ‘Eternal Mujib Memento’. Sheikh Rehana handed over the memento to Modi.
The video messages of UN Secretary General António Guterres and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were also screened.
Congratulatory messages from Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, USA President Joe Biden and Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan read out by the heads of their respective diplomatic missions stationed in Dhaka.
Earlier, Sheikh Hasina along with her younger sister Sheikh Hasina received Modi when he reached the venue at 4:30pm. Later, both the prime ministers witnessed a cultural programme there.
Act responsibly to make independence meaningful: President
President Abdul Hamid on Friday urged the people to carry out their respective duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity to make independence meaningful and disseminate its benefits among the mass people.
He said the country achieved its independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu after a Liberation War lasting nine months and costing many lives.
“Therefore, we have to carry out our respective duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity in order to make our independence meaningful and disseminate the benefits of independence among mass people. In imparting our duties in personal, family, social, political and state related affairs, we need to behave very responsibly,” he said.
President Hamid made the remarks while addressing the final day of 10-day special programme 'Mujib Chirantan' as chief guest marking 50 years of independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Parade Ground.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi attended the celebrations in the afternoon as special guest.
Hamid said that people need to develop able leadership, emphasising principles, ethics and ideals in all sectors.
The President said the development of the country and people are not the sole responsibility of the political leadership. Rather, as citizens of an independent country, it is the duty and responsibility of all.
Mentioning independence as the right of the people, the President said the true meaning of freedom can only be achieved if it is used properly without limiting it within the accomplishment of rights. Again, the beauty of freedom diminishes with its inappropriate use. Liberation and arbitrariness cannot be treated in the same manner.
Terming India as the closest neighbour and a trusted friend of Bangladesh, President Hamid recalled with deep appreciation the unstinting moral and material support that the political leaders and people of India extended to Bangladesh during our Liberation War.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid to receive coronavirus vaccine tomorrow
Hamid also remembered with profound respect the heroes of Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in our great Liberation War and expressed sincere thanks to the Government of India for the decision to confer the ‘Gandhi Peace Prize 2020’ upon Bangabandhu posthumously in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
The President hoped that the visit of the Prime Minister of India will further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
Celebration of the Birth Centenary is an admirable initiative to know and realise Bangabandhu. The President said: “In place of the ceremonial components of the celebration, we need to put emphasis on educating our new and future generations about the life, work, principles and ideals of Bangabandhu. Initiatives need to be taken so that we can represent Bangabandhu in the international arena in different languages.”
Hamid also called upon researchers, historians and politicians to play pioneering role in this regard.
He shared his direct observation how India had supported and co-operated with us during our glorious War of Independence. At least 10 million people from then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) took shelter in India. At that time, the government and people of India provided shelter to our 10 million people, arranged their food, provided training to the freedom fighters, supplied weapons, conducted diplomatic efforts to obtain the support of the outside world in favour of our fight for independence, and also a number of Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives as members of the allied force.
This is a unique example in the history of empathy and humanity, Hamid said.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid wants closer ties with Canada
'Friendship to all, malice to none'- following the policy of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh is successfully advancing in the diplomatic arena by developing bilateral and multilateral relations. The land boundary agreement with India has already been implemented and the maritime boundary dispute has been resolved peacefully.
President Hamid said bilateral talks aimed at resolving other unresolved issues are being held regularly and hoped that these unresolved issues will be settled amicably and in a dignified way soon.
Prime Minister Hasina received Modi at the VVIP tarmac of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) upon his arrival by a special flight in the morning.
The Indian Prime Minister was received by 19 gun salutes and given the guard of honour.
He visited the National Martyrs Memorial at Savar and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city to pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid reaches Geneva
Modi placed wreaths and planted a sapling at the National Martyrs Memorial and signed the visitors’ book there. He also placed wreaths on the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and signed the visitors’ book.
He jointly inaugurated Bangabandhu-Bapu Museum and attended a state banquet preceded by a cultural programme hosted by Prime Minister Hasina.
Modi will have a one-to-one meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart and hold bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office. He will also meet President Hamid at Bangabhaban on March 27.
Narendra Modi arrived here on a two-day state visit to attend the twin mega celebrations marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation and 50 years of independence.