Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, veteran Kolkata journalist Abhijit Dasgupta has launched a "Photo Book" containing over 150 rare photographs of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971. The launching ceremony was held at Kolkata Press Club with the title "Through My Eyes: The Birth of Bangladesh." Prime Minister's International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi and Law Minister Anisul Huq's remarks were also published in the "Photo Book". The photos he shot during his ten forays into Bangladesh in company of the Bengali freedom fighters then battling Pakistan army. He worked for Statesman at that time and most of his pictures shot inside East Pakistan or on the borders went out to the world through the Gamma Presse Images, the world leading photo agency at that time.

At least 20 people, including cops, were injured in a clash between police and activists of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad as  the student body staged demonstrations against Indian Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh. The leaders and activists of the student body brought out a procession from Bijoynagar’s Water Tank point at about 11:30 am and burned the effigy of Modi at Shapla Chattar around 12 pm. At one stage, police charged batons, and fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters, triggering a chase-and-counter-chase between the protesters and police. Also read: Anti-Modi protest: Chhatra Odhikar Parishad burns Indian PM's effigy

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh welcome the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra, and the opposition to it by few will have no negative impact on it. “The common people of the country are very happy and most of them welcome his visit (March 26-27),” he told reporters after a function in the city adding that few people might be against the visit which will in no way affect it. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive here on Friday morning on a two-day state visit to attend the twin mega celebrations marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence. Dr Momen said they believe in democracy and Bangladesh is a democratic country where freedom of speech is guaranteed. Also read: Aiming to utilise neighbouring leaders’ visits towards better connectivity, relations: FM He said the visit of Prime Minister Modi is to mainly join the celebrations and pay respect to Bangabandhu but Bangladesh will place its issues during bilateral discussions. Also read: Mahinda Rajapaksa gets warm welcome as he arrives in Dhaka Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering attended the 10-day special programme in person that began on March 17. Also read: Maldivian President Solih arrives in Dhaka Many global leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Francis, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay sent messages, marking the celebrations.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday warned that law enforcers will take stern action if any vested quarter tries to create chaos over the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh to take part in ‘Mujib Borsho’ programmes.

Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ‘Mujib Borsho’ programme as a representative of India for its great contribution in the Liberation War.