The decision to mark December 6 as Maitri Diwas was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during PM Modi’s state visit to Bangladesh in March 2021.

High Commissioner Pranay Verma addressed the gathering at the event to mark Maitri Diwas

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: The Indian High Commission celebrated the 51st anniversary of Maitri Diwas in Dhaka today. It is on this day in 1971 that India recognized an independent and sovereign Bangladesh, ten days before Bangladesh’s liberation.

The decision to mark December 6 as Maitri Diwas was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during PM Modi’s state visit to Bangladesh in March 2021.

To mark the occasion, a reception and musical evening was hosted by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Minister for Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Haque was the chief guest.

Many Muktijoddhas as well as senior representatives from the government of Bangladesh, leaders of business and industry, the media, academia and civil society also joined the celebrations.

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Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Pranay Verma highlighted the significance of the day as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past 51 years of India- Bangladesh partnership and the promise for the future.

He described India-Bangladesh friendship as rooted in the shared sacrifices of 1971 and fostered by strong ties of history, language and culture. Noting that both countries have made important achievements in the last 50 years, he emphasized that the countries must ensure that their future generations understand this history and preserve the legacy of 1971.

He reiterated that India accords the highest priority to its relationship with Bangladesh, and will always stand ready to walk together with the people of the country on the road to greater prosperity and success.

Reaffirming the shared commitment of the two countries to further strengthen their close friendship founded on shared values, culture and ethos, and based on mutual trust, respect and understanding, the celebrations concluded with colourful performances by the Indian and the Bangladeshi cultural troupes.

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