Diplomatic Desk:
On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka organized a reception at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in the capital. The invited guests were welcomed by the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Prannoy Verma, and his wife, Mrs. Bhanu Verma.
Advisor to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges and Railways, Dr. Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, was present as the chief guest at the event. Also present at the event were dignitaries from various levels of diplomatic, government and private sectors, businessmen, representatives of civil society and media personnel.
In his speech as the chief guest, Dr. Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan said that the celebration of India’s 77th Republic Day is an important occasion for us. He extended his warm greetings to all present and highlighted the historical foundation of Bangladesh-India relations.
He said, the people of Bangladesh remember with gratitude the contribution of the people of India during the great war of liberation of 1971. The relations between the two countries have been built on the basis of geographical proximity, common history and common aspirations.
Dr. Fauzul Kabir Khan further said that the relations between Bangladesh and India are multidimensional and both countries are committed to further strengthen this partnership for the welfare and development of their people. He expressed hope that this relationship will deepen further in the future based on mutual trust and respect.
He said that although there are some challenges, both countries have successfully faced them in the past and it is possible to overcome them in the future with joint efforts.
Speaking at the event, Indian High Commissioner Prannoy Verma said that he was happy to welcome everyone to this special event to celebrate India’s Republic Day. He reminded that on January 26, 1950, India emerged as a sovereign republic by adopting its constitution and committed itself to the ideals of justice, freedom, equality and education.
The High Commissioner said that in the last 76 years, India has transformed from a poor country into the world’s largest democracy and one of the largest economies. Bangladesh is an important fellow traveler in this journey. The sacrifices and self-sacrifices during the 1971 Liberation War have taken the relations between the two countries to a special height.
He further said that the literature, music, art and culture of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam have created deep cultural bonds between the people of the two countries. In recent years, connectivity, trade and economic cooperation have expanded further, which has brought people and business relations closer.
Prannoy Verma highlighted examples of mutual cooperation in various fields including cross-border energy cooperation, power transmission lines, energy pipelines, pharmaceuticals and digital services. He said that in the future, the two countries are capable of building an even stronger partnership based on innovation, technology and sustainable development.
At the end of his speech, he wished the people of Bangladesh peace, prosperity and success and reiterated India’s continued support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh.
