Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday termed the neighboring India as the best friend of Bangladesh, saying friendship between the two countries is solid-rock. “Without India’s support and contribution in 1971, the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War is incomplete. But we are requesting our neighbour not to do anything that may create anxiety among the Bangladeshis,” he told this while addressing a seminar as chief guest.
The Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee organised the seminar at Kobi Sufia Kamal auditorium in the National Museum, commemorating the 48th anniversary of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das, spoke as special guest.
Presided over by Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, the seminar was addressed, among others, by Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee President Shahriar Kabir, ‘Friend of Liberation War’ Julian Francis and human rights activist Aroma Dutta.
Recalling India’s support and contribution during 1971 Liberation War, Bangladesh Foreign Minister said, “It cannot be forgotten that as many as 17,000 Indian soldiers had embraced martyrdom in the 1971 Liberation War.” “About 3.5 crore people left the country and of them over one crore people took shelter in India during the Liberation War in 1971. They had given us shelter and food. How can we forget their contribution,” said AK Abdul Momen.
Expressing his optimism, he said that the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and India will further strengthen in the years to come. He added that Bangladesh will soon honour over 380 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War.
“Bangladesh would gradually honour all the Indian soldiers who were martyred during War,” said the foreign minister. Apart from shelter and food, Momen reminded that India had also trained the freedom fighters so that they could fight against the Pakistani occupational forces.
The Indian High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das said, “Like in 1971, India will always stand beside Bangladesh in the future.”
“Our soldiers also sacrificed their lives when they fought against the Pakistani occupation forces. We all gave our blood together. The friendly relationship was built between Bangladesh and India through the War of Liberation,” she added.
The High Commissioner mentioned that the celebration of 100th birthday anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of stringent diplomatic relationship will be jointly celebrated with Bangladesh. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is at an all time high. India accords top priority to its relationship with Bangladesh.
The multi dimensional relationship between the two countries cover not only traditional areas like trade, commerce, security and border management but also exploring new areas such as IT, space and nuclear science among other areas. Outlining various measures taken by India to commemorate the spirit of Liberation War of 1971, the High Commissioner pointed out that India now grants 5 year multiple visa to the Liberation War fighters. The Muktijodhas are also offered free treatment at Armed Forces Hospitals in India.
She further said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of making a liberal, secular and inclusive Bangladesh. This dream has to be nurtured so that inimical forces don't take advantage of harming peace and harmony in Bangladesh. She asserted that the relations would remain intact and strengthen further in coming days for the economic development of the two neighboring countries.
