Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah has highlighted the strategic and people-centric importance of Bangladesh-India ties amid a changing global landscape.
Addressing the Independence Day reception hosted by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday, Hamidullah said Dhaka places high importance on its partnership with New Delhi, calling it vital for shared prosperity and regional stability, reports The New Indian Express.
Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh attended the event as guest of honour, representing the Indian government, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials and diplomats were also present.
“As our government embarks on a robust mandate, we look forward to advancing our ties… premised on dignity, equality, mutual trust and respect, and shared benefits,” Hamidullah said. He stressed that the relationship must deliver tangible outcomes for citizens on both sides.
“If Dhaka and Delhi address issues in ways that yield gains for the common people, there is so much that our two countries can accomplish in shared interests,” he added, pointing to a future anchored in cooperation, connectivity, and mutual growth.
Paying homage to the sacrifices of the 1971 Liberation War, Hamidullah recalled the bravery and supreme sacrifice of freedom fighters and acknowledged India’s role. “We remember so many across India who stood by us, emotionally, physically, materially,” he said, honouring the 1,668 Indian soldiers who died for Bangladesh’s freedom.
Touching on recent political developments, he said Bangladesh witnessed a “participatory and exceptionally peaceful” democratic transition, reflecting the people’s focus on stability, rule of law, and development. He reiterated Dhaka’s commitment to working with India in navigating global uncertainties while upholding “open regionalism and multilateralism.”
Concluding on a forward-looking note, Hamidullah emphasised candid engagement on sensitive issues and inclusive growth. “It is indeed possible for us to chart a pathway towards interdependent relations for generations… May Indo-Bangladesh friendship thrive,” he said.
Kirti Vardhan Singh said India looks forward to partnering with Bangladesh to advance mutual progress and prosperity. “In this same spirit of cooperation, India warmly welcomes the new Government of Bangladesh,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to engage with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, highlighting the importance India attaches to this enduring relationship, reports NewKerala.com.
Singh noted that the Liberation War of 1971 and the sacrifices made remain a shared legacy for both countries. He added that initiatives across connectivity, trade, energy networks, and cross-border projects continue to deliver tangible benefits.
“Our progress reflects an enduring spirit of collaboration, nurtured through sustained efforts on both sides,” Singh said. “Development partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and joint projects have been shaped by mutual priorities and a shared vision of inclusive growth.” He noted that Bangladesh’s Independence Day marks a defining moment in shared history and a testament to the resilience of people from both countries.
