Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday hosted a reception and cultural programme at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre as part of the first Bangladesh-India Friendship Day. Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhary graced the occasion as the chief guest. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami was present. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, senior representatives from the government of Bangladesh including Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, the Chief of the Army Staff, Secretaries to the Government, senior officials, IGP of Police, leaders of business and industry, media, academia and civil society were present. Bangladeshi nationals selected for India’s highest civilian honours, in the years 2020 and 2021, were specially invited and felicitated in presence of the august gathering. Also read: Bangladesh to get increased cooperation from India: Shringla The day marks the recognition of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh, by India and Bhutan, fifty years ago – ten days before Bangladesh was actually liberated.

Bangladesh High Commission and Indian High Commission in Canberra, Australia on Monday jointly celebrated "Maitri Diwas" (Friendship Day) and Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh. On this historic day in 1971 India recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent state which was designated as Bangladesh-India Friendship Day. At the outset the guests observed one minute silence in honour of all Martyred who sacrificed their lives in liberation war in 1971. Also read: December 6: "Maitri Diwas" to reflect deep, abiding friendship between Dhaka, Delhi A video clip on Bangladesh’s heritage as well as social, economic and cultural linkages between Bangladesh and India was also screened.

Mentioning that the Bangladesh-India relationship is anchored in history and culture, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the two countries now should concentrate on people-to-people contact, trade, business and connectivity as the issues became increasingly important for the two sides. “The core of the bilateral relationship now needs to concentrate on people-to-people contact, trade, business and connectivity, which have become increasingly important for both sides,” she said in her video message screened at a programme marking Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day). Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) arranged the programme in New Delhi on Monday on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations as India recognised Bangladesh on December 06, 1971. Hasina said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of secularism, democracy, and countless other commonalities. “Our bonds of friendship have further been strengthened, diversified and expanded in recent years due to regular high-level political interactions and exchanges.”Despite restrictions imposed by Covid-19, she said, the relationship at all levels have remained stable and strong. “This was evident in our excellent cooperation and collaboration in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said. Read: Dhaka, Delhi created model relations, says FM terming Dec 6 a historic day “Our partnership is not confined to treaties, MoUs, bilateral agreements that provide the formal structures for our working relations. Today, our broad partnership has matured, taking dynamic, comprehensive and strategic shape, and is based on sovereignty, equality, trust and mutual respect,” said the Prime Minister. Noting that India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state on the 6th December 1971, she said Bangladesh and India are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic relations. “This is a milestone in the journey of our bilateral relations,” Hasina said. “We continue to believe in the importance of our relationship,” she said, adding that this anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the foundation of the bilateral relations of the two countries and the path ahead. It’s also an occasion for both the countries to recommit to work towards further strengthening the longstanding dynamic partnership, she added. “I’m confident that together our two countries and two peoples will continue to turn our vision and ideas into realities, for decades to come,” the PM said. During the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh on 26-27 March 2021, both sides agreed on the joint celebrations in 18 selected cities along with Dhaka and New Delhi, and to recognize 6 December as ‘Maitri Diwas,’ she said. The foundation of Bangladesh-India relations was laid by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu.  “We’ve a very special relationship with India. The relationship is the friendliest. The friendship of Bangladesh and India is in our hearts. The bonds of friendship will remain firm and long-lasting,” she quoted Bangabandhu as saying in 1972. Read: Grab investment opportunities in Bangladesh, PM Hasina to global investors Hasina also recalled the generosity of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her government, leaders of other political parties, and overall the people of India towards the people of Bangladesh in 1971. They provided accommodation to 10 million refugees from Bangladesh, gave space for the Mujibnagar government and waged a diplomatic campaign in favour of Bangladesh, she mentioned. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi Ambassador Muhammad Imran and ICWA Director General Vijay Thakur Singh also spoke at the function. Modi’s reassurance Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will work with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen ties between the two countries.    "I look forward to continuing working with PM Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen our ties," he tweeted on Monday as the two countries celebrate ‘Maitri Diwas’ (Friendship Day).    Just 10 days before the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, India had recognised Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with independent Bangladesh. “Today India and Bangladesh commemorate Maitri Diwas. We jointly recall and celebrate the foundations of our 50 years of friendship," Modi said. During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March this year, it was decided to commemorate the 6th December as "Maitri Diwas". 

Terming December 6 a historic day, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said Bangladesh and India have created a model of relationship by resolving major issues peacefully. “It’s historic day and truly Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day). We’ve (Bangladesh-India) created model relations (for other countries),” he said at a discussion organized by Sector Commanders Forum (SCF) at the Jatiya Press Club. Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar spoke as special guest. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl, former diplomat Mohiuddin Ahmed and SCF Secretary General Haroon Habib, among others, spoke at the discussion held with SCF chief M Nurul Alam in the chair. The Foreign Minister profoundly recalled the wholehearted support extended by the people of India and the Indian government during the 1971 Liberation War. Dr Momen said he is eagerly waiting for the day when no visa will be required for Bangladeshis and Indians to travel to each other's countries. "Our relationship is written in blood and we want to deepen it," he said. Read:Let’s dream of a better world, FM Momen tells peace conference  He recalled with utmost respect the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on this historic day. Dr Momen also remembered the brave freedom fighters of Bangladesh and the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh's Independence in 1971. Bangladesh and India are celebrating the Maitri Diwas, the historic day when India, as the second country, recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent state in 1971 after Bhutan. The day has been designated by the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India as Bangladesh-India Friendship Day in March 2021. Speaking as the chief guest at the discussion, Dr Momen said it was not the India-Pakistan war that Pakistan tried to interpret.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will work with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen ties between the two countries.  "I look forward to continuing working with PM Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen our ties," he tweeted on Monday as the two countries celebrate ‘Maitri Diwas’ (Friendship Day).  Read: Maitree Week highlighting Indo-Bangla friendship observed in Dhaka Just 10 days before the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, India had recognised Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.  India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with independent Bangladesh.  “Today India and Bangladesh commemorate Maitri Diwas. We jointly recall and celebrate the foundations of our 50 years of friendship," Modi said.  During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March this year, it was decided to commemorate the 6th December as "Maitri Diwas". Maitri Diwas has been commemorated in 18 countries around the world apart from Bangladesh and India.  Read: Bangladesh, India to celebrate ‘Maitree Diwas’ in 18 countries Dec 6 The countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) is organising a special event in New Delhi this afternoon. It will see participation from both countries. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will send a video message for the event.

The Embassies of Bangladesh and India in Tokyo will jointly celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh-India Friendship.  Maitri Diwas or Friendship Day will be celebrated in a befitting manner on Monday.  Read:Thailand eyes FTA; shipping routes with Bangladesh All the preparations and formalities have been completed to make the event a success, said a media release.  Japanese Members of Parliament, high-ranking government officials, along with captains of industry and friends from cultural world, media and social organizations from Japan will participate in the event. 

Bangladesh and India will commemorate 6th December as "Maitri Diwas" or Friendship Day demonstrating that the emotional bonds stemming from the invaluable contribution of the government and the people of India in the Liberation War of Bangladesh remain a "dominant factor" in formulating Bangladesh-India relations.  State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh and India are celebrating together the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Bangladesh-India relations (‘Maitree Diwas’) on December 6 at 18 selected cities across the globe along with Dhaka and New Delhi. He recalled with utmost respect the brave freedom fighters of Bangladesh and the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh's Independence in 1971. Read:Border killing a tragedy; it must stop: Doraiswami "The blood of over 18 thousand Indians, mingled with the millions of our own people, culminated in Bangladesh’s independence, and laid the basis of our special friendship," Shahriar said. Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson at the Indian Minister of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) will organise a special event on December 6 in New Delhi.  The event will see participation from both countries. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will send a video message for the event to be held in New Delhi, an official told UNB. There will be celebrations in Dhaka too on the occasion.  "I want to emphasise that the holding of the Maitri Diwas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the people of India and the people of Bangladesh, that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices," said Arindam Bagchi. During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March this year, it was decided to commemorate 6th December as "Maitri Diwas." Just 10 days before the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, India had recognised Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.  India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.  Maitri Diwas has been commemorated in 18 countries around the world apart from Dhaka and New Delhi.  Other countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. Despite challenges in place including unresolved Teesta water sharing issue, Bangladesh and India have made some great achievements, including implementation of the Ganges Treaty, Land Boundary Agreement and addressed the cross-boundary terrorism, foreign affairs analysts say. Read:Dhaka-Delhi ties “crucial for greater regional stability” The two close neighbours also progressed much in terms of enhanced connectivity and trade though logistics remains a challenge. Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya in a recent discussion said, "Your agenda and my agenda are equally important. If you think my agenda is more important than the other, then you are not having the equal treatment within a sovereign territory. I hope the leadership (of both the countries) will give content to these concepts.” Shahriar said last 50 years are testimony, with ample evidence, how crucial Bangladesh-India relations are not only for bilateral partnership and peace, but also for greater regional stability and the development of the subcontinent. "It’s my firm conviction that, last 50 years will guide us to navigate the course of next 50 years in the evolving scenario of the regional and global context, where the friendship and partnership would be deeper and more consolidated," he said.