Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque has stressed bolstering cultural bond between Bangladesh and India, saying enhanced cultural relation will play a vital role in political, economic and social lives of the two neighbouring countries.
"India is our friendly neighbouring country and we have similarities in various cultural fields. So there is a need of expediting people to people connectivity of the two countries through bolstering the existing relations," he said.
The minister was addressing the inaugural function of 'The Fifth Bangladesh-India Cultural Meet-2022, Rajshahi' held at Rajshahi College Saturday evening as the chief guest.
Friends of Bangladesh and Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) are jointly hosting the four-day event to mark the Golden Jubilee of Independence, Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of India-Bangladesh Relations.
Around 40 political, cultural and media personalities from India are joining the function being celebrated at different locations and historical and archeological sites in Rajshahi and Natore districts.
Home Minister of Tripura Provincial Government Ram Prosad Paul addressed the ceremony as the special guest with Rajshahi Mayor and Convener of the cultural meet preparatory committee AHM Khairuzzaman Liton in the chair. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam also addressed.
Shamsul Arefin and Satyam Roy Chowdhury from the Friends of Bangladesh spoke.
Razzaque said the existing boundary line dividing the two countries can't be the division between peoples' hearts and these are the main objectives of the cultural meet.
"We have to work together with non-communal spirit and our relations will be strengthened through cultural sharing and exchanging," he added.
"We recall with deep gratitude the contribution of the government of India for standing firmly by us in our most difficult time," he said.
The minister said the relationship has its genesis in the War of Liberation in 1971 and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman maintained excellent relations with the Indian leadership.
BSS
