Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Saturday said Bangladesh and India share a rich history and a profound cultural connection, noting that the indelible memory of their shared sacrifices during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 continues to unite the peoples of the two countries.

“Today, as two vibrant and forward-looking societies, we stand at the threshold of a promising future - the one in which we can work together, to bring shared prosperity, not only to our two countries, but also to the wider region,” he said while speaking at an Iftar hosted by the High Commission of India at a city hotel.

Indian envoy meets PM’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, discusses bilateral issues, regional stability

The High Commissioner said India has always supported - and will continue to support - a ‘democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive’ Bangladesh.

Ministers, political leaders from both from the ruling party and opposition leaders, editors, civil society members and celebrities were present at the event.

“Your esteemed presence at this Iftar gathering today, is a meaningful reaffirmation of our shared commitment to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” said the High Commissioner.

Bangladesh, India agree to work towards boosting bilateral trade

The envoy said the holy month of Ramadan is a deeply special time of the year, and they are honored to extend their warm greetings to all on this blessed occasion.

“Iftar is a moment of reflection. It is a time to express gratitude, to remember those around us, and to think about the well-being of humanity as a whole. It is also a moment when people come together, to appreciate and celebrate the many blessings in life,” said the High Commissioner.

He said this sacred month reminds them of the enduring values that lie at the heart of their faiths, and cultures - the values like compassion, empathy, generosity, and kindness.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the strong bonds of friendship, as well as the deep societal and familial ties between India and Bangladesh, which make our relationship truly people-centric,” High Commissioner Verma said.

He extended his warmest wishes to all across Bangladesh, who are observing the holy month of Ramadan.

“May this blessed month bring you and your families good health, peace, prosperity, and happiness. May this holy month renew and reinforce our shared values of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity. May this blessed month also remind us that, above all, we are united by our common humanity,” said the High Commissioner.

“May this sacred month strengthen our collective resolve to stand together in friendship and solidarity,” he added.