Indian President Ram Nath Kovind began his three-day maiden visit to Bangladesh on Wednesday to meet several top leaders of the country. The highlight of Kovind’s visit was on Thursday, which marked Bangladesh’s 50th year of independence from Pakistan following its victory in the 1971 Liberation War, during which it was ably supported by India. Kovind was the only head of a foreign state who was invited to attend the celebrations in Dhaka, indicating the regard Bangladesh holds for India, particularly when it comes to its independence.
On the first day of his visit, Kovind met with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mohammed Abdul Hamid. During the meeting, he said Bangladesh holds a “special place” in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. He said that their friendship, which is characterised by several complex issues, has stood the test of time, making it the most “comprehensive” and “wide-ranging” geopolitical partnership.
The Indian President proposed the establishment of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement so that the two countries can better leverage their “geographical proximity” to boost trade as well as cooperation in the space, nuclear, and pharmaceutical sectors.
On Thursday, Kovind attended a ceremony that commemorated Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. He recalled the “grassroots support” given by Indian forces to secure Bangladesh’s freedom from Pakistan’s “oppressive regime.” Kovind said that India’s assistance to Bangladesh is one of the “few examples” in history wherein all means possible were deployed to counter a “brutal, determined, and well-armed foe.” He also underscored the importance of the war, which “irreversibly changed the ideological map of South Asia.”
Kovind further highlighted the struggle of Bangladeshi leaders against military dictatorships and in this regard applauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s efforts to establish an “equitable and inclusive government.”
Before returning to India, President Kovind is also scheduled to inaugurate the Kalibari Temple of Ramna in Dhaka, which Pakistani forces destroyed during the 1971 war. Through the years, India has frequently assisted Bangladesh in renovating and conserving the historic temple. Speaking to the press, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that not only is the inauguration “symbolic” for their bilateral partnership, but it also marks an “emotional moment” for both countries. The temple’s inauguration is also symbolic because it comes at a time when the country’s Hindu minority is increasingly in danger. In October, a series of mob attacks were launched against several puja pandals and temples in the country, resulting in the death of four civilians.