Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Saturday said the Liberation War in 1971 remained the foundation of India, Bangladesh relations as he remembered Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the champion of the two neighbours’ friendship.
“His indomitable spirit, visionary leadership and unwavering dedication for the welfare of his people continue to inspire generations not just within the borders of Bangladesh, but beyond,” he said at a National Mourning Day event in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh-India Friendship Society organized the discussion with Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque as the chief guest.
India fought for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971.
Bangabandbhu was killed along with most of his family members on August 15 in 1975. His daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana survived as they were abroad. The day is being observed as the National Mourning Day.
The High Commissioner said Bangabandhu sprouted the ideas of “democracy, human rights and social justice”.
“Bangabandhu championed friendship between India and Bangladesh. That is why it is very natural that today we came together to pay our respect to his memory,” he said.
“We also reaffirm the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Bangladesh which have been built upon our shared historical, geographical and cultural closeness that has endured the test of time.
“Our shared struggles and the sacrifices of our peoples during the liberation war in 1971 have forged an unbreakable bond of camaraderie and mutual respect that will continue to live on,” he said.
“Today Bangladesh is on the path of progress and development. India stands with the people of Bangladesh as a steadfast partner, committed to supporting the aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future and in realizing Bangabandhu’s vision of a stable, progressive and prosperous Bangladesh.
“Our collaborative efforts in areas such as trade, connectivity, security and people to people ties continue to flourish, cementing our place as the two nations are united by common goals, and shared values,” he said.
“As we commemorate the day, let us not only remember the past, but also reflect on the present and envisage a future filled with hope, optimism and possibilities.
“Let us stand together against extremism, intolerance, and violence and work towards a world for the ideals of justice, equality and human dignity.”
“As we honour the memory of Bangabandhu and his sacrifices, we remain committed to working together with Bangladesh in preserving and promoting the legacy and spirit of 1971 that remains the foundation of India, Bangladesh friendship,” he said.
“That will be the best tribute that we can ever pay to Bangabandhu and his legacy. May the memory of Bangabandhu continue to guide us as we march forward on the path of progress and prosperity.”
The minister who is also a freedom fighter remembered the role of the Indian government and its armed forces during the liberation war.
“Our bond is tied to blood. It can not be damaged,” he said, as Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives with Bangladeshis during the war.
He urged all to be united against any conspiracies to damage the relationship with India.
Members of the parliament Benzir Ahmed, Aroma Dutta and Basanti Chakma, member of the Advisory Council of Awami League Muzaffar Hossain Paltu, President of the Friendship Society War wounded Freedom Fighter Md Rashidul Alam, Former information adviser to the Prime Minister Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Former ambassador Wali-ur Rahman, Kalbela Editor Abed Khan, and General Secretary of the Friendship Society Narayan Saha Moni spoke at the discussion, among others.