United News of Bangladesh

Lieutenant General Manish Luthra, Director General Military Operations of Indian Army, has reflected upon the deep-rooted historical relations between Bangladesh and India. While speaking at a reception in New Delhi as the chief guest, he highlighted how the two nations have stood by each other in times of need and how their shared sacrifices and cultural ties have laid the foundation of a unique friendship. Describing the bilateral relationship as truly remarkable and exemplary, he emphasised that the cooperation between the two countries extends beyond the present spectrum, said a media release issued by the Bangladesh High Commission. Luthra expressed his strong conviction that this partnership, built on mutual trust and respect, will continue to grow stronger in the days ahead. Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Monday (November 24) celebrated the Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh with a view to brightening the country's positive image across the world and upholding the image of Bangladesh Armed Forces. To celebrate this special occasion, the Defence Wing of Bangladesh High Commission hosted the reception at Bangladesh High Commission Auditorium. Defence Advisers/Attaches and diplomats of different countries based in New Delhi, senior officers from the Indian armed forces, journalists, members from Bangladeshi community and few Indian war veterans of 1971 attended the event. The programme began with the national anthem of Bangladesh and India respectively. BNP leader Zainul Abedin urges India to return Hasina Thereafter the Defence adviser of Bangladesh high Commission, High Commissioner and the chief guest delivered their speech. Defence Adviser, Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman specially mentioned the great sacrifice of the War Heroes of India besides the Mukti-Bahini of Bangladesh in achieving the glorious victory in 1971. Appreciating the presence of the esteemed guests, he highlighted on the progress of defence cooperation between Bangladesh and India, as well as the advancement of Bangladesh Armed Forces at home and international arena. The High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Riaz Hamidullah, in his remarks stated that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is multidimensional. He emphasised that the two nations are bound by shared history, culture and geography, and that the ties between their peoples rest on a strong foundation. The High Commissioner further noted that the basis of this relationship must not be deception, but rather mutual respect and trust. Recalling India’s contribution to Bangladesh’s War of Independence, the High Commissioner highlighted that during the challenging period of 1971, India played a crucial role for Bangladesh. He acknowledged that there remain several challenges and sensitive issues in the bilateral relationship. To build a brighter future for the peoples of both countries, he stressed the need for wisdom and cooperation in the days ahead. He underscored that in order to ensure peace, stability, and a prosperous future for the peoples of Bangladesh and India, both nations must not only address existing challenges but also seize opportunities for mutual collaboration. In his speech, the High Commissioner paid solemn tribute to the women who endured suffering during the Liberation War of 1971, as well as to the 1,668 members of the Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in that struggle. Afterwards, Indian war veterans who had contributed to Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 were felicitated by the chief guest and the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India. A short clip containing the contribution of Bangladesh Armed Forces in nation-building and for international peace was screened, followed by cutting of the cake and photo sessions. Read more: Dhaka voices displeasure over Hasina’s interviews with Indian media 

The Embassies of Bangladesh and India in Tokyo will jointly celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh-India Friendship.  Maitri Diwas or Friendship Day will be celebrated in a befitting manner on Monday.  Read:Thailand eyes FTA; shipping routes with Bangladesh All the preparations and formalities have been completed to make the event a success, said a media release.  Japanese Members of Parliament, high-ranking government officials, along with captains of industry and friends from cultural world, media and social organizations from Japan will participate in the event. 

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami has said trade will be potentially a key driver of Bangladesh-India friendship in the future with focus on value addition to products but the environment will remain an important issue to look at.   “We should look at trade and a whole new framework. I believe trade will be potentially a key driver of our friendship in the future,” he said, adding that the two countries need to be futuristic about how to deal with the next generation of issues. High Commissioner Doraiswami made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech at a symposium titled ‘Bangladesh-India Relations: Prognosis for the Future’ which premiered on Thursday night on Facebook. An array of experts from Bangladesh and India – former Ambassador Tariq A. Karim, Director, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore Prof C. Raja Mohan, Dhaka University Prof Imtiaz Ahmed, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) President Maj Gen (Retd) A. N. M. Muniruzzaman, CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun, Brig. Gen.(Retd.) Shahedul Anam Khan and former Indian Foreign Secretary Krishnan Srinivasan - were brought together for the online symposium to assess the state of relations between the two countries and identify the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the effort to take it forward. Renowned scholar-diplomat and adviser on foreign affairs to the last caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury chaired the event hosted by the Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group. Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan delivered the opening remarks at the event. For future trade, High Commissioner Doraiswami laid emphasis on some areas in which Bangladesh could provide India a key base for value addition, including to food production and RMG and textile.