Bangladesh hails support of people of Bengal, Tripura, North-East during its liberation war

Hailing the support provided to his country by the people of West Bengal, Tripura and other parts of the North-East during the “Blood War of Liberation’’ in 1971, Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah has expressed Dhaka’s firm desire to advance ties with India.

“In the closest proximity as ours, should there be difficult or sensitive issues, those can—and ought to be—addressed forthright in all sincerity and candour, be in trade, security or sharing natural resources,’’ he said at a reception last night on the occasion of Bangladesh’s National Day here.

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‘’Bangladesh accords high importance to its relationship with India, a partnership shaped by history, culture and geography that we share. Our two people share considerable commonality and enjoy deep-rooted ties.’’the envoy said. The Government of India was represented at the reception by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardan Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Paying homage to Bangladesh’s ‘’freedom fighters’’ for their bravery and supreme sacrifice during the 1971 struggle, Hamidullah said, “We remember the women and men who withstood a genocide, for standing against the Pakistani occupying forces, merely to uphold their identity and dignity, their yearning for freedom and sovereignty.’’

He said Bangladesh also remembers so many across India ‘’who stood by us—emotionally, physically, materially—in West Bengal, Tripura, other parts of the North-East and beyond. We remember so much of support and succor provided to the young Mukti Bahini Force Commanders in India. We remember Major Ziaur Rahman for making the Declaration of War of Independence, for the people. Not least, the 1668 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives on our soil for our freedom struggle.’’

Talking about the recent elections in Bangladesh which brought the Tarique Rahman government to power, he said the world witnessed a participatory and exceptionally peaceful transition to democracy in the country.

‘’As we speak, both our countries navigate complexities and uncertainties in the global order. While we foresee tumultuous times ahead, Bangladesh looks forward to walking and working together to preserve the values and principles of open regionalism and multilateralism for both, as responsive and responsible nations,’’ he added.

Hamidullah also referred to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month in which Rahman stated that Dhaka accords high importance to its relationship with India, a partnership shaped by history, culture and geography.