শহীদ মুক্তিযোদ্ধা ফাউন্ডেশন আয়োজিত শহীদ মুক্তিযোদ্ধা দিবস অনুষ্ঠানে হাই কমিশনারের বক্তব্য বিবৃতি ও বক্তৃতা

শহীদ মুক্তিযোদ্ধা ফাউন্ডেশন আয়োজিত শহীদ মুক্তিযোদ্ধা দিবস অনুষ্ঠানে হাই কমিশনারের বক্তব্য

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High Commission of India

Dhaka

Remarks by High Commissioner on the occasion of Shahid Muktijoddha Dibosh organized by the Shahid Muktijoddha Foundation

[December 17, 2018] 

Chairman of the Shanto-Mariam Foundation and Shahid Muktijoddha Foundation, Janaab Imamul Kabir Shanto,

Former Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Harun-or-Rashid, Bir Pratik,

Kabi Kamal Chowdhury, families of martyrs of the Liberation war,

Valiant Muktijoddhas in the audience,

Distinguished guests, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen.

It gives me great pleasure to be a part of this much anticipated annual event organized by the Shahid Muktijoddha SmrityFoundation to remember the brave martyrs who sacrificed their all, so the Bangladesh attains its Freedom. As Indians, the Shahid Muktijodhha Dibosh has a special place in our hearts. With solemn respect, we remember that India stood with the Muktijoddhas and fought shoulder to shoulder for the Liberation of Bangladesh against the oppressive regime. The bonds of blood, Bangladeshi and Indian, spilt together for the common cause of Liberation inspires us to work together as India and Bangladesh, two sovereign nations take rapid steps towards progress and development towards their rightful place in the world.

As our Prime Minister Sri Narenda Modi said when he visited Dhaka last time, pehle to hum sirf paas paas, ab saath saath bhi hain (we are not only close to each other as neighbours….we are also with each other). 

We are touched and inspired by the life of Bir Muktijoddha Janaab Imamul Kabir Shanto. We note with admiration that he has dedicated his life and resources to serving the nation and its people. His many pioneering enterprises are geared towards public service and exemplify concrete steps to preserving the spirit of the Liberation War and the liberal, progressive social and cultural values and ethos that India and Bangladesh both intrinsically share. It is a value system which remains under constant attack, and India is determined to work closely with Bangladesh and organizations like the Shanto-Mariam Foundation to combat such forces and attempts.

I am happy to note that the association of the High Commission of India and the Shanto-Mariam Foundation goes way back to 1987, when Shanto Bhai started the Sundarban Courier Service, the first ever courier service in Bangladesh, in collaboration with India’s Overnight Express. This service oriented venture was facilitated by the connectivity between our two countries. In 1992, the High Commission’s commercial wing facilitated the joint venture company established by him for the export of seafood to various countries. Our association further deepened with the establishment of the Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology and its affiliates, the Shanto-Mariam Institute of Creative Technology and Shanto-Mariam Academy of Creative Technology.

The High Commission’s cultural and education wings have been working closely with these institutions for promoting our common cultural heritage and develop vocational and other job oriented skills for the youth of Bangladesh. Each year, many students and faculty from the Shanto Mariam University apply for, and some are selected for the prestigious ICCR Scholarships for higher studies in India, over 300 specialized short term courses under the Government of India’s flagship ITEC Programme and the 100 member Youth delegation sent to India every year to promote better understanding among the youth of India and Bangladesh.

I am also glad to share that the Shanto-Mariam University has always responded wholeheartedly to various events hosted by the High Commission of India. It has consistently sent one of the biggest contingents for the International Yoga Day every year, and has participated in the Art Camp organized by the High Commission of India for the last two years in association with various universities. Ladies and Gentlemen, I take this opportunity to reiterate that the High Commission of India deeply values and appreciates this partnership. It has, and always will stand with the Shanto-Mariam Foundation and its affiliated institutions and support Shanto Bhai in his noble endeavor.

Today’s function to commemorate the memory of the  eleven freedom fighters who lost their lives this day in 1971 after the country was liberated, and other martyred freedom fighters, both Bangladeshi and Indians, and the representation of the High Commission of India in it every year is a testament of our resolve to work together in the days to come.

I convey the best wishes of the people of India and my own behalf to all of you on the glorious occasion of Bijoy Dibosh and note with heartfelt appreciation the gesture of the Shahid Muktijoddha Smrity Foundation and Shanto Bhai to remember the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who also sacrificed their lives with their Bangladeshi brothers and sisters during the liberation war of Bangladesh. Thank you.

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