Bangladesh, India should boost efforts to fight poverty, terrorism: Modi
Bangladesh and India should boost efforts to fight against poverty and terrorism, said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he spoke today at the celebrations of Mujib Borsho and golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.
"For our millions of people, for their future, for our fight against poverty, for the fight against terrorism…our goals are common. Therefore, our efforts should be united," he said at the event at National Parade Square in the capital.
"We have no time to lose, we must move forward for change, and we cannot delay any further," he added.
Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu's younger daughter Sheikh Rehana, ministers, MPs, officials, some Indian freedom fighters and diplomats were present on the last day of the event, titled "The Eternal Mujib".
Narendra Modi, who arrived in Dhaka this morning on a two-day visit, said both the countries have the power of democracy and a clear vision for moving forward.
"India and Bangladesh moving forward together is equally important for the development of the entire region," Modi said.
He also shared a personal story of him supporting the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
"I must have been 22 or 23 years old, when along with many of my friends, I did Satyagraha (a form of passive resistance) for the liberation of the people of Bangladesh," he said.
He said as part of his efforts to support the liberation of Bangladesh, he also courted arrest and had a taste of life in prison.
"That is to say, there was as much of a longing for Bangladesh's freedom in India, as there was in Bangladesh.
"The images of the heinous crimes and atrocities committed by the Pakistani army here, made our blood boil too, and gave us countless sleepless nights!"
"The struggle for the liberation of Bangladesh was also one of the first movements that I took part in," he added.
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