Maitree Diwas: 50 years of India, Bangladesh friendship commemorated in Riyadh

Riyadh: The Embassy of Bangladesh and the Embassy of India jointly celebrated 'Maitree Diwas' ( Day of Friendship) in Riyadh on Monday with fervor and joy.

The Governments of Bangladesh and India have declared 6th December as "Maitree Diwas" to mark the day when India recognized Bangladesh as an independent country in 1971. The celebration also coincides with the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's Independence and 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India.

In commemoration of the day, the Embassies of both countries conducted cultural programs and reception in their respective premises.

The event witnessed attendance of Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, Secretary General, Gulf Cooperation Council as the Chief Guest and Mr. Bandar Khamies, Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs, Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning; Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Abbas, Member of Shoura Council; Dr. Mohammed Al Shammaeri, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the Guests of Honor. The dignitaries congratulated the Ambassadors of India and Bangladesh for the momentous occasion.

The gathering of gala evening included Ambassadors, Diplomats, Saudi officials and prominent members of expatriate communities of Bangladesh and India in Riyadh.

The Ambassador of India to Kingdom Dr. Ausaf Sayeed extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the birth centenary of their Father of Nation - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jublee of their Independence. He highlighted that Bangabandhu holds huge admiration and respect in hearts of the Indian people while mentioning that Indian film director Mr. Shyam Benegal is filming Bangabandhu's biopic, which will pass on his legacy for generations to come.He apprised the audience about the signifcance of the day in the shared history of Bangladesh and India while giving an account of the liberation war.

During the event the Ambassador paid homage to valiant soldiers of Bangladesh and India who were martyred in the 1971 war. He also talked about the thriving multifaceted partnership enjoyed between both nations and underlined that it presents as a role model for bilateral and regional cooperation. He further informed that India and Bangladesh are the largest economies of South Asia and have contributed significantly to the upliftment of the region which is now known as a prominent economic centre of the world. He termed the last 50 years of India-Bangladesh diplomatic ties as a golden chapter in a relationship geared towards bringing stability and prosperity in region.

In his address, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to OIC, Dr. Mohammad Javed Patwary said the celebration reflects deep and abiding friendship between India and Bangladesh, which is forged in blood and shared tradition, history, culture and sacrifice. He said, this celebration is dedicated to our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh. Ambassador Javed Patwary further added that "Both

Bangladesh and India are committed to taking our solid and enduring relations to newer heights to ensure the well-being of our people and a sustainable future for our countries". He emphasised that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is constantly striving to build a Golden Bengal through a great relationship with its neighbours, especially with India.

The Ambassador added that over the last decade both countries have witnessed remarkable progress in cooperation in many areas including security, power, trade and commerce, energy, connectivity, infrastructure development, cultural and defense. He expressed his hope to see even more stronger and robust bilateral ties with India .

The celebrations included a magnificent cultural program, in the auditorium of the Embassy of India, which comprised of meticulous performances by dance troupes from Bangladesh and local Indian artists.

Following this, the Ambassadors, along with dignitaries, unveiled the logo of 'Maitree Diwas', in the premises of the Embassy of Bangladesh, which was followed by a cake cutting ceremony and screening of a documentary on the India Bangladesh relations.