50th Anniversary of Bangladesh-India Friendship Celebrated in London

News desk
shottobani

Londonঃ In celebration of Friendship Day (Maitri Diwas), marking 50 Years of Diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh, the High Commission of India and Bangladesh High Commission jointly hosted a reception and cultural programme in London on Monday.
On 6 December, 1971, India recognized Bangladesh and was one of the first countries to extend diplomatic recognition to Bangladesh. During the State visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021, both countries agreed to jointly commemorate 6 December as India-Bangladesh Friendship Day (Maitri Diwas) in India, Bangladesh and other countries around the world. At the gala reception guests observed one minute of silence in honour of all martyrs who lost their lives in the Liberation war of 1971.
Paying tribute to Bangladesh’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, High Commissioner of India Gaitri Issar Kumar said: “India was proud to have provided support to Bangladesh in its War of Liberation in 1971.” She highlighted the vibrancy and depth of the bilateral relations including the ongoing development partnership assistance.
Paying homage to the martyrs of the liberation war and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem recalled the invaluable support that the Government of India and its people extended to Bangladesh during the liberation war. She said: “The value-based friendship between our peoples and our soils, the 54-common rivers, the love, affection and common emotions that connect our two nations and the messages of peace, Ahimsa (or non-violence) and humanity propagated by Fathers of our two Nations Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will take our Bangladesh-India Maitree to even newer height in the decades to come.”
Rt Hon Oliver Dowden, Co-Chair of the Conservative Party of the UK graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Among other eminent speakers were Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi, International Relations Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Lord Swaraj Paul, Lord Gadhia, Lord Dean Godson and Lord Karan Bilimoria.
The reception was attended by nearly 400 guests including UK Ministers and Parliamentarians, Heads of Missions, academics, chamber leaders, professionals and eminent members of the Indian and Bangladeshi diaspora.
A colourful cultural programme was performed by renowned artists from India and Bangladesh including the legendary singer Runa Laila. A documentary on Bangladesh-India historic relations and the 1971 War of Liberation was screened.