High Commission of India

Dhaka

High Commissioner’s remarks for Iftaar 2019

  Hon’ble Ministers of the Government of Bangladesh and Advisors to Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh;

  Deputy Speaker, Jatiya Sangsad and Whips and High Constitutional dignitaries;

  Members of Parliament;

  Political leaders;

  Representatives of the Bangladesh armed forces and civil services,

  Businesspersons;

  Cultural and academic personalities;

  Media persons,

  My distinguished colleagues Their Excellencies, Heads of Missions in Dhaka,

  Ladies and gentlemen, I may not have acknowledged everyone for which I apologize, but that is only because of paucity of time, hope you will understand.

 Good evening and welcome to High Commission of India. It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you all for iftaar in this holy month of Ramadan. On a personal note, let me share that it is amazing to be back in Bangladesh after 18 years and be part of iftaar to be followed by Eid celebrations.

     2.Today’s Bangladesh has no resemblance with what it was in my previous assignment. Bangladesh has witnessed a consistent growth of over 8% over the last few years, with self-sufficiency in food, improvement in road, rail and water connectivity, infrastructure, increase in power supply as well as marked progress in human development indicators particularly with respect to women. As a neighbour and friend, we take pride in your achievements. We have been privileged to be a part of your journey from 1971 till date. Our common struggle for the Liberation War of Bangladesh and great sacrifice in that pursuit will continue to inspire us to work together for the better future of the common people of both countries- we are also fellow travelers on the road to development.

     3.In the last few years, close to 90 agreements including in high-tech areas, such as space, IT, electronics, cyber security and civil nuclear energy  have been signed between India and Bangladesh and the Prime Ministers have inaugurated 16 development cooperation projects, including construction of Bhairab and Titas bridges; additional supply of 660 MW electricity, Akhaura-Agartala rail line. Our bilateral trade today stands at close to USD 9 billion. The border-haats, an unique set-up between our countries have made it easier for the people living at the borders to trade with each other. In recognition of the contribution and sacrifices of gallentMuktijodhas, free treatment in Indian Army hospitals, five year visas and Muktijodha scholarship has been started.

      4.Thus, even at the risk of repetition, I will reiterate what our External Affairs Minister said in 2017 from this very hall, “Padosi pehle, aur padosi mein Bangladesh sabse pehle”. We have some very important milestones coming soon which we hope to commemorate together in a befitting manner - the birth centenary of Bangabandhu in 2020, the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence in 2021.As our Prime Minister said- our relationship is witnessing a “Sonali Adhyay”. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was one of the first world leaders to call Shri Narendra Modi to extend her congratulations on the clear mandate given by the people of India. Such gestures reflect the extraordinarily close and cordial ties between India and Bangladesh and the excellent rapport that the two leaders enjoy. I am happy to inform that the two leaders pledged to raise the India Bangladesh relationship to unprecedented new heights.

       5.We would like to take our relationship, both diplomatic and otherwise, to newer heights and on this holy month we pray to the Almighty that our friendship may last forever.

        6.In conclusion, may I take this opportunity to thank you all once again for being part of our iftaar and on behalf of my colleagues and my own behalf I would like to wish you Eid Mubarak in advance.

 Thank you once again.

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