High Commission of India

Dhaka

HC’s Remarks at CONNECTIONS 2019 Indian Institute of Mass Communication  Alumni Association, Bangladesh

[13 April 2019]

Mr. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Shipping,

Mr. Ihsanul Karim, President of IIMC Alumni Association, Bangladesh,

Mr. Prasad Sanyal, President of Central IIMC Alumni Association

Mr. Animesh  Biswas, Treasurer of Central IIMC Alumni Association

Mr. Zahid Newaz Khan, General Secretary, IIMC Alumni Association, Bangladesh

Other office bearers of IIMC Alumni Association, Bangladesh

Distinguished Members from the Media,

Ladies & Gentlemen

Subho Aparanho!

            At the outset, allow me to convey my heartfelt gratitude for inviting me for CONNECTIONS 2019, the annual event of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association, Bangladesh. Friends, for me today’s gathering is like a home-coming as I was the officer dealing with Press & Media in my previous stint in Bangladesh. When a group of office bearers from the Alumni Association came to invite me for today’s event, they told me that I had a small role in their being part of this prestigious organisation. May I reiterate that it is great to be among friends again and I do remember many of you.

2. It is a matter of great pride for us that IIMC Alumni in Bangladesh includes many distinguished journalists, government officials and eminent people from other streams. It would be remiss on my part if I do not acknowledge Mr. Ihsanul Karim, the first fellow (1979-80) for IIMC who has distinguished himself as the Press Secretary to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and was also the Press Secretary to the Hon’ble President of Bangladesh. There are many more and this amply reflects the calibre and the highest standards of IIMC alumni.

3. The importance of media in shaping the opinion and psyche of the country cannot be underestimated. Both our countries have vibrant print and electronic media. It is imperative that our shared history and common heritage, our linguistic and cultural ties, the passion we share for each other’s music, literature and arts, there should be more engagement between the media (print & television) of the two countries. The bonds of the 1971 liberation war and our shared ideals of democracy and liberal – secular values will remain with us forever. Our destinies are inter-twined and it is to our mutual benefit we cooperate in every sphere.

4. Media has an important role in highlighting the immense potential and opportunity that exists for all the stakeholders. On our part, we organize regular visits of journalists / editors from Bangladesh to India so that they have a better appreciation of contemporary India and the achievements. In 2018, we organised border trip for 25 journalists, familiarization visit for 25 journalists by our external publicity division. A delegation of media house owners visited India in March last year. Every year as part of the 100 Member Youth Delegation we ensure that journalists both print and media are included. The recently concluded youth delegation had nine brilliant young journalists from both print and electronic. Increase in linkages between the media of India and Bangladesh is an important element in the overall growth of bilateral relations and IIMC Alumni Association Bangladesh can play an important role in taking this relationship to newer heights. High Commission of India, Dhaka stands ready to extend all cooperation.

5. May I take this opportunity to wish you all Shubho Nabobarsho - may the New Year bring all of us peace, joy and prosperity. Thank you.

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