UNB, Dhaka :
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said they will remain closely connected with their Bangladeshi friends to jointly achieve development and prosperity, and to meet the aspirations of the people of the two countries.
“India values your extraordinary goodwill and friendship and I’m confident that the bond forged by blood and sacrifice in 1971 will continue to bind our nations together in future,” he said.
The Indian President made the remarks while addressing a reception accorded to the Indian community and friends of India before wrapping up his three-day “historic” state visit to Bangladesh.
President Kovind, who was deeply touched by the warmth and affection of the people of Bangladesh, said Bangladesh has a special place in the hearts of Indians.
“Ours is a uniquely close relationship based on age-old ties of kinship, shared language and culture. Our ties have been nurtured by the sagacious leadership of the two countries,” he said.
While paying homage to Bangabandhu at his home in 32 Dhanmondi, President Kovind said he was reminded of the declaration of independence that Bangabandhu had issued in Dhaka on 26 March 1971, the atrocities and genocide faced by the people of Bangladesh and the armed struggle of the Mukti Bahini against the brutal Pakistani occupation forces.
“Today, as your country becomes a model of growth and development in the region, it has proven to the world that the fight of the people of Bangladesh was for a just cause. This fight was for fundamental democratic rights and that the emergence of Bangladesh was indeed the power of right defeating the power of might,” he said.
Just before attending the reception, President Kovind visited the historic Ramna Kaali temple where he had the privilege of inaugurating the renovated temple.
“I look at it as a blessing from Maa Kaali. I’ve been told that the governments and the people of Bangladesh and India helped restore the temple which was demolished by Pakistani forces during the war of liberation. A large number of people were killed by the occupation forces,” he said, adding that this temple is a symbol of the spiritual and cultural bonding among the people of India and Bangladesh.
In this unique year, when the two countries are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Liberation War, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th anniversary of two countries friendship as well as the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, the Indian President said, “Let us rededicate ourselves towards fulfilling the dreams of the founding fathers of our nations.”
Following the Liberation War, Bangladesh has undergone major socio-economic transformation, especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Kovind said.
“India has also witnessed commendable growth. The economic and social linkages that have been forged between the people of our two nations have also contributed to this shared story of growth and development,” he mentioned.
President Kovind noted that the two sides have also made strong commitments to make their growth inclusive, sustainable and environment-friendly. “I see huge potential in strengthening the cooperation further in the areas of green energy and clean technology.”
He said India remains committed to assisting Bangladesh in its journey towards a strong economy, partnering with friends from both sides as they proceed to greater prosperity.
“I also urge our business communities on both sides to seize this opportunity to enhance our trade and economic linkages to new heights especially between Bangladesh and our North Eastern Region,” he said.
President Kovind said safety, security, welfare, and well-being of Indian citizens in all parts of the world is a priority for their government.
He said their government will continue to take all necessary steps to strengthen their links with their citizens abroad, as well as with their diaspora.
