Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Wednesday said that India would stand with the people of Bangladesh in the future in realising its vision of a stable and prosperous country.
‘December 6 stands out as one of the very important dates. It is a dominant factor in our relations,’ he said while speaking at a reception marking the Friendship Day, recalling that India stood with the people of Bangladesh in 1971.
Bangladesh and India commemorate December 6 as ‘Maitri Dibas’ or ‘Friendship Day’, showing the emotional bonds stemming from the ‘invaluable contribution of the government and the people of India’ in the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
The holding of Maitri Dibas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices.
The High Commissioner said that the day stands out in the history of Bangladesh-India relationship.
He said that it was the beginning of the partnership which is now seen as multifaceted and the relationship goes beyond strategic partners.
The High Commissioner said that the two countries were more than strategic partners.
He said that it was a day of remembrance and paying tribute to those who sacrificed.
‘The relationship has come a long way. Today it’s a multifaceted relationship, adding new momentum in our relationship,’ said Pranay Verma.
He said that the two countries were building new connectivities on all fronts. ‘The opportunity is really endless with greater hope and greater optimism.’
The High Commissioner said that they had set up a Liberation War gallery in the Indian Cultural Centre to attract more young people about the history and legacy that two countries share.
‘We remain committed to doing more to build on the foundation of friendship that we have, that we are celebrating today. And as we do so, we must also ensure that our future generations imbibed with our shared history and the spirit of 1971,’ said envoy.
Maitri Diwas is in many ways a reminder of how much the two countries and people are connected with each other based on shared history, geography, culture, language and shared traditions, said the envoy.
‘It’s a reminder that our friendship is rooted in the shared sacrifices of freedom fighters, our veterans and millions more who laid down their lives in the cause of the liberation of Bangladesh,’ he said.
The High Commissioner said that it was a relationship between the two fast growing economies of the world and it is a relationship built upon growing aspirations of the people, which is creating new frontiers and adding new momentum to the existing engagement.
‘This relationship, this partnership, is based on the conviction that our progress and prosperity are interlinked. And this is a relationship where we are building new connectivities,’ he added.
The envoy said that the two countries were getting connected in more ways than they were connected earlier. ‘Whether it is physical connection, whether it is people to people connection, digital connection, energy connectivity, economic connectivity.’
High commissioner Pranay Verma highlighted the deep and historic ties between Bangladesh and India.
He underscored that Maitri Diwas signifies the genesis of a partnership rooted in equality, mutual respect, and unwavering solidarity—a proud moment symbolizing India’s steadfast support for Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom.
The Maitri Diwas celebrations showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh through various performances by eminent artists from Bangladesh.
The event featured classical and folk dances, music and recitation.
Joler Gaan, a prominent folk musical band of Bangladesh performed in the event.
Celebrities, editors and friends of India joined the reception followed by a cultural function.
During the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021 to attend the Indepence Day of Bangladesh, it was decided to commemorate December 6 as Maitri Dibas (Friendship Day).
Ten days before the liberation of Bangladesh, India had recognised Bangladesh on December 06 in 1971.
India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.
The day was commemorated in 18 countries around the world apart from in Dhaka and Delhi in 2021.
These countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, the UAE and the US.
New Age
