Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on Friday that both countries must progress together for the region’s stability and that they must stay united to fight threats like terrorism during his two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first international trip since the coronavirus pandemic last year.
“We must note that while we have comparable opportunities in trade and business, we still face similar challenges such as terrorism. These inhumane crimes are still being committed by thoughts and forces. To fight them, we must remain alert and united,” Prime Minister Modi said at the National Parade Square in Dhaka on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.
Bangladesh’s fight for independence was also a pivotal point of my journey… In India, my colleagues and I participated in a satyagraha… I was in my early twenties at the time. During this satyagraha for Bangladesh’s independence, I have had the chance to go to prison,” he said.
PM Modi attended the National Day ceremony at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka with President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, wearing a “Mujib Jacket” in honor of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“We will never forget the sacrifices rendered by the soldiers of this great country, as well as those made by Indians who stood alongside Bangladeshi soldiers… we have not forgotten their strength and courage…. we will never forget it,” PM Modi said.
Both India and Bangladesh, according to PM Modi, have the strength of independence and hope for the future, and it is critical for the region’s growth that the two countries work together. “This is why the governments of India and Bangladesh are making major efforts in this direction,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister, the next 25 years are important for both India and Bangladesh. “We share our history, our prosperity, our aspirations, and opportunities,” he said, adding that both countries have the strength of freedom and hope for the future.
The Bangladesh government welcomed New Delhi to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations to commemorate the country’s 50-year diplomatic relationship with India.
