Narendra Modi
With focus on taking ties to a new height, Modi arrives Friday
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Friday morning on a two-day state visit, aiming to seize the opportunities lie ahead for both Bangladesh and India.
The trip is treated by both sides with a "very special significance" which they say will serve to highlight the celebration of “unique and rock-solid” bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Modi is going to be the key attraction of the ongoing twin mega celebrations – birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence.
The two “time-tested” friendly countries plan for taking the historical relations to a new height with focus on all areas of cooperation.
Bangladesh and India are likely to sign a range of bilateral instruments in the areas of health, railway connectivity, border development and startups.
Also read: India to play leading role in global revival: Modi
The two countries are looking at a comprehensive trade related agreement and the two countries will continue discussions on a comprehensive economic partnership.
Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on March 24, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said the biggest attraction is “Mujib Borsho” and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence and the visit will mainly focus on the joint celebrations.
He said they are still in negotiations and a number of MoUs have been finalised on major issues. “I can’t tell the exact number at this moment.”
Also read: Delhi to bolster defence ties with Dhaka during Modi's visit
Responding to a question on the Teesta issue, the Foreign Minister said the two countries agreed on signing the Teesta Water sharing deal in 2011 but it could not be signed, delivered and implemented. “You know the reason.”
He said they always remain hopeful that the Teesta deal will be signed one day.
During the virtual Summit in December last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of an interim agreement for sharing the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts of the government of India to that end.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen said they are working to make the relations stronger saying any issue can be resolved if the relations remain good.
He said Bangladesh and India share 54 common rivers and they are now discussing six major rivers apart from Teesta.
Bangladesh and India stressed the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
Hasina to Receive Modi
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive her Indian counterpart Modi at the VVIP tarmac of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) upon his arrival by a special flight in the morning. The Indian Prime Minister will receive 19 Gun salutes and will be given the guard of honour.
He will visit National Martyrs Memorial at Savar and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city to pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Modi will place wreaths and plant a sapling at the National Martyrs Memorial and will sign the visitors’ book there.
He will also place wreaths on the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and sign the visitors’ book there.
The Indian Prime Minister will attend the National Parade Ground programme on Friday afternoon. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, among others, will join.
He will jointly inaugurate Bangabandhu-Bapu Museum and attend a state banquet preceded by a cultural programme hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Modi will have a one-to-one meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart and hold bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office. He will also meet President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban.
The Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Orakandi temple and Jeshoreshawri temple by helicopter, according to his tentative programme schedule.
The Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Saturday evening.
Bangabandhu & Gandhi Peace Prize
The government of Bangladesh acknowledged with deep gratitude the decision of the government of India to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, posthumously for the first time.
"It’s an honour for Bangladesh and its people for the Father of the Nation to be bestowed with this prestigious award," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
The Gandhi Peace Prize recognises the immense and unparalleled contribution of Bangabandhu in inspiring the liberation of Bangladesh, bringing stability to a nation born out of strife, laying the foundation for the close and fraternal relations between India and Bangladesh, and promoting peace and non-violence in the Indian subcontinent.
Ahead of his visit to Bangladesh, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bangabandhu's vision continues to light the Bangladesh-India friendship.
"I had the privilege of honouring his memory during my previous Bangladesh visit," he tweeted.
Modi said he will again pay homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the ongoing Mujib Borsho celebrations.
Modi has said that Bangabandhu was a champion of human rights and freedom, and is a hero to Indians as well.
He also said that the legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted, and that the path shown by Bangabandhu has laid a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade.
As Bangladesh celebrates Mujib Borsho, India said it is honoured to be commemorating his legacy jointly with the Government of Bangladesh and its people.
The Jury for Gandhi Peace Prize is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprises two ex-officio members, namely the Chief Justice of India and Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha, according to the Press Information Bureau of India.
The Jury unanimously decided to select Bangabandhu as the recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2020, in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
The government of Bangladesh said the honour assumes special significance on the 50th year of Bangladesh’s independence when the country is on the verge of becoming a developing country, through political, economic and social transformation, the foundations of which were laid by Bangabandhu.
The award is also a befitting tribute to the ever-deepening Bangladesh-India relations in a year when both countries are jointly celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, 50 years of diplomatic relations and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu, MoFA said.
As Bangladesh commemorates the legacy of Bangabandhu, the award comes as a recognition of the life long struggle of this enduring leader to ensure the freedom, rights, aspirations and emancipation of his people and towards building a world free from hunger, poverty and exploitation, Bangladesh says.
On the occasion, the people of Bangladesh pay homage to the two great leaders Bapuji and Bangabandhu, whose values and ideals remain even more relevant today for building a world of peace, free from oppression, injustice and deprivation.
Anti-Modi protest: Chhatra Odhikar Parishad burns Indian PM's effigy
Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad Wednesday burned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effigy at Dhaka University campus protesting his upcoming visit to join the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence.
The student body brought out a black flag procession from the Central Shaheed Minar at around 4:30pm and paraded different roads of the campus. The procession ended at the TSC area.
Speaking at the rally, leaders and activists of the organisation labelled Modi as a "communal terrorist" and said a "terrorist" cannot join Bangladesh's Golden Jubilee celebration.
They also protested Tuesday's attack that Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) men carried out on anti-Modi protesters at the campus and demanded immediate arrest of the attackers.
Also read: 25 injured as BCL swoop on anti-Modi protesters
Chhatra Odhikar Parishad DU unit General Secretary Akram Hossain led the protest programme.
Bin Yeamin Molla, former Chhatra Odhikar Parishad Dhaka University unit president, said: "India helped us during our Liberation War of 1971. We are grateful to them but we cannot welcome a 'terrorist' like Modi in our great Golden Jubilee celebration."
"We cannot welcome a communal individual like him and will resist him by any means."
Calling on the BCL to stop violence, Yeamin said, "If you do not put an end to using force, students will not accept you anymore."
Also read: Will resist anti-Modi protesters: DU BCL president
Akhter Hossain, DU unit president of the organisation and also former Dhaka University Central Students' Union leader said, "The people of Bangladeshi do not want Modi here. But the ruling party Awami League is desperate to have him in our Golden Jubilee celebration to cling on to state power."
"India is not behaving like a friendly country to us. Bangladesh citizens are being killed every day on the border. India has power and influence over us everywhere."
On Tuesday, at least 20 anti-Modi protesters from different left-leaning student bodies and five photojournalists got injured as some BCL men swooped down on a rally that was protesting Modi's visit to Bangladesh ahead of March 26.
Delhi to bolster defence ties with Dhaka during Modi's visit
India and Bangladesh will strengthen bilateral defence and security ties and are also likely to ink a number of pacts during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Dhaka, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
Modi will visit Bangladesh on March 26-27 to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of the country's independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Indian PM is also slated to visit Gopalganj’s Tungipara area, Bangabandhu's birthplace.
“Both sides will be signing a range of agreements during Modi's visit. These agreements will be covering a number of areas of our cooperation -- disaster management, oceanography and trade," Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told the media in New Delhi.
Also read: Modi due Friday as main attraction of 10-Day celebration
"A number of new announcements -- bolstering cooperation in areas ranging from health, railway connectivity, border development and start-ups -- are also expected to be made," he added.
Talks on bolstering defence and security cooperation between the two countries are also on the agenda of Modi's meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to the top Indian diplomat.
Also read: Bangabandhu's vision lights Dhaka-Delhi friendship: Modi
"Security and defence is an important part of our cooperation with Bangladesh. We have in recent years signed an agreement on defence cooperation with Bangladesh and undertaken joint military, training and capacity building exercises on a regular basis," Shringla said.
"It is a regular practice for chiefs of our armed forces to visit Bangladesh. We have excellent defence cooperation between our countries. As we go along, we will continue to add more and more depth and momentum to that relationship,” the Indian Foreign Secretary added.
Also read: Modi's visit to highlight priority attached to Bangladesh: South Block
On bilateral relations, Shringla said, "Ties between the two countries have no parallel. Indian soldiers had fought and were killed alongside Bangladeshis for independence."
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometre-long international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world. Both countries also share historical, civilisation and cultural ties.
Modi due Friday as main attraction of 10-Day celebration
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the main attraction of the ongoing twin mega celebrations, will arrive here on Friday as the two countries plan for taking the time-tested historical relations to a new height with focus on all areas of cooperation.
Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said the biggest attraction is “Mujib Borsho” and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence and the visit will mainly focus on the joint celebrations.
Also read:Vaccine gift a sign of Hasina-Modi strong ties: FM
He said they are still in negotiations and a number of MoUs have been finalised on major issues. “I can’t tell the exact number at this moment.”
Responding to a question on Teesta issue, the Foreign Minister said the two countries agreed on signing the Teesta Water sharing deal in 2011 but it could not be signed, delivered and implemented. “You know the reason.”
He said they always remain hopeful that the Teesta deal will be signed one day.
During the virtual Summit in December last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of interim agreement for sharing the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts of the government of India to that end.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen said they are working to make the relations stronger saying any issue can be resolved if the relations remain good.
He said Bangladesh and India share 54 common rivers and they are now discussing on six major rivers apart from Teesta.
Also read:Hasina, Modi to meet virtually in December: FM
Bangladesh and India stressed the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
Modi's Engagements
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive on Friday morning by a special flight on a two-day official visit. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive her Indian counterpart upon his arrival in Dhaka.
The Indian Prime Minister will receive 19 gun salutes and will be given the guard of honour.
He will visit National Martyrs Memorial at Savar and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city to pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Modi will place wreaths and plant sapling at the National Martyrs Memorial and will sign visitors’ book there.
He will also place wreaths on the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and sign the visitors’ book there.
The Indian Prime Minister will attend the National Parade Ground programme on Friday afternoon. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, among others, will join.
He will jointly inaugurate Bangabandhu-Bapu Museum and attend state banquet preceded by a cultural programme hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Modi will have one-to-one meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart and will hold bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office. He will also meet President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban.
25 injured as BCL swoop on anti-Modi protesters
At least 25 Anti-Modi protesters from different left-leaning student bodies and two photojournalists were injured as some Chhatra League men carried out an attack on a demonstration protesting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral visit to Bangladesh ahead of Independence Day on March 26.
The attack left at least 25 leaders and activists of progressive student wings including Pragati Barman Tana, Meghmallar Bose, Asmaney Asha, Sumaiya Setu as well as two photojournalists including Jibon Ahmed of Daily Manab Zamin and Rubel Rasid of Daily Desh Rupantor.
Also read:Will resist anti-Modi protesters: DU BCL president
The injured students were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for proper treatment.
Bangabandhu's vision lights Dhaka-Delhi friendship: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to be the star attraction even among the strong field of regional leaders attending 10 days of celebration in Dhaka has said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision ‘continues to light’ the Bangladesh-India friendship.
BNP relates Modi’s Bangladesh visit to West Bengal election
BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday questioned whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Bangladesh as part of a campaign of West Bengal Assembly elections.
Opposition to Modi’s visit: Momen says nothing to be worried about
There is no reason to be worried about the opposition to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh by a group of people, said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Saturday.
"Mujib Coats" to be attire of dignitaries during Modi's visit
Khadi, the heritage fabric of India, is all set to catch eyeballs during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Bangladesh on March 26 & 27.
US Defense Secy arrives in India on 3-day visit
American Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Delhi on Friday evening on a three-day visit to India as part of his maiden foreign tour, the first by a senior member of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet.