DHAKA, Dec 8, 2021 (BSS) - High Commissions of India and Bangladesh in London have celebrated the Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day), marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh.

  Marking the day, the Indian High Commission and the Bangladesh High Commission in London jointly hosted a reception and cultural programme there on Monday, said a press release of the Bangladesh High Commission in London here today.

   On December 6 in 1971, India recognized Bangladesh and was one of the first countries to extend diplomatic recognition to Bangladesh.

   During the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021, both countries agreed to jointly commemorate December 6 as India-Bangladesh Friendship Day (Maitri Diwas) in India, Bangladesh and other countries around the world.

   At the gala reception programme, one minute silence was observed in honour of all martyrs who lost their lives in Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.

   Paying tribute to Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, High Commissioner of India Gaitri Issar Kumar said, "India was proud to have provided support to Bangladesh in its War of Liberation in 1971".

   She highlighted the vibrancy and depth of the bilateral relations including the ongoing development partnership assistance.

   In her address, Bangladesh High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem also paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

   She recalled the invaluable support that the Indian government and its people extended to Bangladesh during the Liberation War.

   Tasneem said, "The value-based friendship between our peoples and our soils, the 54-common rivers, the love, affection and common emotions that connect our two nations and the messages of peace, Ahimsa (or non-violence) and humanity propagated by fathers of our two nations Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will take our Bangladesh-India Maitree to even newer height in the decades to come."

   Rt Hon Oliver Dowden, Co-Chair of the Conservative Party of the UK graced the occasion as the guest of honour.

   Bangladesh Prime Minister's International Relations Affairs Adviser Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Lord Swaraj Paul, Lord Gadhia, Lord Dean Godson and Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke on the occasion, among others.

   The reception was attended by nearly 400 guests including UK ministers and parliamentarians, heads of missions, academics, chamber leaders, professionals and eminent members of the Indian and Bangladeshi diaspora.

   A colourful cultural programme was performed by renowned artists from India and Bangladesh including the legendary singer Runa Laila.

   A documentary on Bangladesh-India historic relations and the 1971 War of Liberation was screened.