Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, on the country’s National Day, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties amid strained relations following Sheikh Hasina’s exit last year.
Modi wrote in his letter to Bangladesh’s Yunus, as quoted by India Today: “I extend my felicitations to you and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh. This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, which have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership.”
“The spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for our relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our people,” the letter read.
“We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other’s interests and concerns,” he said.
Strained India-Bangladesh Relations
The relationship between India and Bangladesh has touched a new low and remained frosty after Sheikh Hasina was forced to exit amid severe protests against her regime over a job quota row.
Yunus took charge of an interim government days after she fled to India following her ouster.
India had expressed their concerns over the rise in atrocities against minorities in the country ever since the exit of the Hasina-led government.
Bangladesh National Day
Bangladesh’s Independence Day is celebrated on March 26.
It commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Pakistan in the early hours of March 26, 1971, by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Indian PM Narendra Modi designated the date as India-Bangladesh Friendship Day (Moitree Diwas) in March 2021.
Ten days before the liberation of Bangladesh, India had recognised Bangladesh on December 6, 1971. India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.
The Maitri Diwas is being commemorated in 18 countries around the world apart from in Dhaka and Delhi.
These countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE and USA.
The holding of Maitri Diwas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices.
US Greets Bangladesh
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio greeted Bangladesh on the occasion.
He said the US would support Bangladesh in its journey towards a bright and democratic future.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership promoting economic development and regional security in the Indo-Pacific,” Rubio wrote in his statement.
(With inputs from IBNS)
