Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File
| Photo Credit: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 26 wrote to Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus greeting him and the citizens on National Day of Bangladesh.
In the letter, accessed by The Hindu, Mr. Modi extended his felicitations to Prof. Yunus and the people of Bangladesh. The country celebrates its Independence on March 26, the day Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence from Pakistan in 1971.
The day is observed as Vijay Divas in India, especially the Indian Army to commemorate its role in Bangladesh Liberation War.
“This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership. The spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for our relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples,” Mr. Modi wrote.
“We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other’s interests and concerns,” he wrote further.
The letter comes at a time when India-Bangladesh ties is going through a turbulent times with Dhaka seeking ousted Prime Minister Sheik Hasina’s deportation and Indian leaders expressing concern over status of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in an interaction with the Standing Committee on External Affairs of the Parliament on Wednesday (March 26, 2023), highlighted the role of the Army Chief of Bangladesh in maintaining stability in his country.
The Hindu has learnt that Mr. Misri outlined the rise of disruptive factional forces in Bangladesh and noted that “continued release of Islamist extremists” by the interim government is a matter of concern for “regional and global security.” The discussion coincided with Independence day of Bangladesh.
Mr. Yunus is on a trip to Beijing to pitch Bangladesh as a destination for Chinese investments especially in the manufacturing sector. His Press Secretary had told The Hindu that Mr. Yunus desired to travel to India before visiting China but Dhaka’s request for the visit did not elicit a “positive” Indian response.
Published – March 27, 2025 10:57 am IST