Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Tuesday celebrated the 51st anniversary of Maitri Diwas.
On this day in 1971, India recognised an independent and sovereign Bangladesh, 10 days before Bangladesh's victory.
To mark the occasion, a reception and musical evening was hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka in the evening, reports BSS.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque joined the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma highlighted the significance of the day as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past 51 years of the India-Bangladesh partnership and the promise for the future.
He described the 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 they must now 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 Bangladesh on the road to greater prosperity and success.
Verma reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen the close friendship which is founded on shared values, culture and ethos, and based on mutual trust, respect and understanding.
The decision to mark December 6 as Maitri Diwas was taken by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina during the State visit of Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
