Shawdesh Desk:

New Delhi: India will further strengthen the bilateral relation with Bangladesh on the path laid down by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman.

Director of Bangladesh, Myanmar Division of Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Poulami Tripathi said this on Monday evening while addressing a seminar organized by the Bangladesh High Commission  in New Delhi in observance of the National Mourning Day and the 47th Martyrdom anniversary of the assassination of Bangabandhu along with 18 other members of his family on August 15 in 1975.

Ms Tripathi spoke on behalf of Government of India and articulated that “basic foundation of India –Bangladesh bilateral relation was laid down by Bangabandhu when he was the Prime Minister just after the liberation.

“It was Bangabandhu, who had vision of dealing with the common rivers of two countries and Joint River Commission was formed to deal with the issues. One should not forget that historic Land Boundary Agreement and Ganges Water Sharing was actually the vision of Father of the Nation of Bangladesh.”

She acknowledged the all round development of Bangladesh, especially in socio-economic sector under the present leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Indian diplomat also said that life of Bangabandhu is an inspiration for not only people of Bangladesh but also for the oppressed people of the world.

She assured that India will always keep the flame of Bangabandhu’s idea alive by taking joint initiative on some projects. Among them, are BAPU-BANGABANDHU Digital Museum and a biopic on the life of Bangabandhu will be Testimony of the bilateral relationship.

On this occasion, former Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Shahidul Haque, who presently holding the prestigious Bangabandhu Chair in Delhi University elaborated on framing foreign policy of the just liberated Bangladesh by Bangabandhu.

He said despite the deep polarisation in the world community during the height of cold war Bangabandhu preferred to stick to a non-aligned foreign policy and the basic motto was ‘ Friendship to all –malice to none.’ He spoke on his first state visit to Calcutta in the presence of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Initiating the discussion High Commissioner of Bangladesh Mohammad Imran said, “we will be able to implement the dreams of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman if and only if we cherish and nurture his ideals in our heart and soul. Now the country is no more neglected, but shown as an example of success in socio-economic development.”

In the seminar, Ambassador of Bhutan to India Major General Vetsop Namgyal spoke on his personal memories about Bangabandhu when he visited Bangladesh along with the King just after liberation.

Noted Indian journalist Indrani Bagchi also spoke about the life of Bangabandhu. The function witnessed the unveiling of a special publication, ‘Bangabandhu The Legend Forever’, by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, joined by other officers of the mission.

A documentary on the life of Bangabandhu was also screened. Deputy High Commissioner Nural Islam gave a vote of thanks to all the participants.