BSS-40 Dhaka-Delhi relations based on inspiration of Bangabandhu: Modi

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BSS-40

BANGABANDHU-MODI

Dhaka-Delhi relations based on inspiration of Bangabandhu: Modi

DHAKA, March 17, 2020 (BSS) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said deep rooted relations between Dhaka and New Delhi are based on shared heritage, legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh.

“Legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made our heritage more comprehensive … Deep rooted relations between India and Bangladesh have been laid on the foundation of this shared heritage,” he said while participating the inauguration of Bangabandhu’s Birth centenary celebration, through a video message.

Modi described Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as one of the greatest figures of the last century, and said, “India has always been attached to his ideals and values.”

Describing Bangabandhu as a Man of Courage, Conviction and Sage of Peace, the Indian premier said that Bangladesh’s “Jatir Pita’s (Father of the Nation)” inspired the youth of those times to face the challenges of liberate the country.

“Life of Bangabandhu gives a great message to the world of 21st Century,” he said.

Modi mentioned how a repressive and cruel regime, disregarding all democratic values, unleashed a reign of injustice on `Bangla Bhumi’ and devastated its people.

The Indian premier recalled how Bangabandhu devoted every moment of his life towards bringing Bangladesh out of the phase of devastation and genocide and making it into a positive and progressive society.

“Bangabandhu was absolutely clear that hatred and negativity could never be the foundation of any country’s development. But Bangabandhu’s ideas and efforts were not liked by some people who snatched him away from us,” he said.

He said, “Bangladesh and all of us were fortunate that PM Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana had blessings of God.” Otherwise, he said supporters of violence and hatred left no stone unturned.

“We are all witnessing that how, making terror and violence weapons of politics and diplomacy destroys a society and a nation,” he said, adding that the world is also watching where the supporters of terror and violence are currently placed and in what state they are, while Bangladesh is scaling new heights.

Modi expressed his pleasure at seeing the people of Bangladesh dedicating themselves day and night to making their own nation, ‘Sonar Bangla,’ as Bangabandhu had dreamt.

He commended Bangladesh’s progress, inspired by Bangabandhu, under the leadership of Sheik Hasina with Inclusive and Development-Oriented Policies. He added that Bangladesh is setting new benchmarks for either the economy, other social indices or sports.

The Prime Minister praised Bangladesh’s unprecedented progress in many fields such as skills, education, health, empowerment of women and microfinance.

“In the last few years, India and Bangladesh have written a golden chapter in bilateral ties and given a new dimension and direction to our partnership,” said Modi, because of increasing trust between the two countries to address complex border issues in a friendly way.

He also said that Bangladesh is not only India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, but also a development partner.

The Prime Minister listed the cooperation between the two countries in a number of connectivity-enhancing sectors, such as electricity distribution, Friendship Pipeline, Road, Rail, Internet, Airways and Waterways, which connect even more people from both countries.

Mentioning the coming milestones of the two countries, the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s liberation next year and the 75th anniversary of India’s independence in 2022, Modi hoped that both of these milestones will bring development of India and Bangladesh to new heights.

BSS/TA-AIM/MRU/2246hrs