Wearing a ‘Mujib Jacket’ in honour of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation, PM Modi addressed Bangladesh’s 50th Independence anniversary at the National Parade Square. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership and the contribution of the Indian Army in Bangladesh’s 1971 freedom war, as he joined his counterpart Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka to commemorate the country’s 50th year of independence.
Modi’s remarks are reminiscent of the 1971 war for independence. “This is one of my favourite days of my life. I am grateful that Bangladesh has invited me to participate in this event. I am grateful to Bangladesh for inviting India to participate in this event. It gives us great pride to be able to award the Gandhi Peace Prize to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman “He stated.
Prime Minister Modi said Bangabandhu had a captivating personality and was blessed. “This is one of my favourite days of my life. I am grateful that Bangladesh has invited me to participate in this event. I am grateful to Bangladesh for inviting India to participate in this event. It gives us great pride to be able to award the Gandhi Peace Prize to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman “He stated.
Prime Minister Modi said Bangabandhu had a captivating personality and was blessed. Modi recalled the Indian Army’s role in Bangladesh’s liberation war, saying that the blood of those who fought for their liberation and the blood of Indian soldiers are flowing together, and that this blood will form a relationship that will not break down under any pressure.
“I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who stood alongside their Bangladeshi brothers and sisters in Mukti.” “Both of our countries have the power of democracy and a clear vision for the future.” “It is equally important for the development of this region that India and Bangladesh move forward together,” he said.
“We must remember that we have similar opportunities in trade and commerce, but we also face similar threats, such as terrorism.” Such inhumane acts are still perpetrated by ideas and powers that are still active. To counter them, we must remain vigilant and united,” he added.
Modi, who was dressed in a ‘Mujib Jacket’ in honour of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation, said Bangabandhu’s leadership and bravery had ensured that no power could enslave Bangladesh. Bangabandhu was a ray of hope for the people of this land and for us Indians,” he said.
Under his leadership, common people of Bangladesh across the social spectrum came together and became ‘Muktibahini’, Modi said, adding Bangladesh’s Liberation War had support from all corners of India, from all parties, every section of the society.
The Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 was conferred on Bangabandhu this week.
The war broke out after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by the Pakistani troops and ended on December 16. The same year Pakistan conceded defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian soldiers.
Modi said the efforts of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi and her important role in Bangladesh’s freedom war are well known.
He also named several Indian Army officials such as Field Marshal S H F J Manekshaw, General Jagjit Singh Aurora, General J F R Jacob, Lance Nayak Albert Ekka, Group Captain Chandan Singh, Captain Mohan Narayan Rao Samant and others who were instrumental in Bangladesh’s freedom.
Modi said the next 25 years are crucial for both India and Bangladesh. “For both our nations, the journey of the next 25 years in the 21st century is crucial. We have descended from a shared heritage, and we are advancing towards shared development. We have shared goals, and shared challenges,” Modi said.
He also invited 50 Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to India to get associated with innovation ecosystem and meet venture capitalists.
Modi also invoked Bengali poets and writers Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore in his speech to highlight the common heritage of the two countries.
Earlier, the programme began with the religious leaders from Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity reciting prayers from their holy books, projecting a secular image of Muslim-majority Bangladesh.
Bangladesh was founded as a secular state, but Islam was made the state religion in the 1980s. In 2010, the High Court held up the secular principles of the 1972 constitution.
Modi was the guest of honour while Bangladesh President Hamid was the chief guest at the function chaired by Prime Minister Hasina.