Hospitals in India will provide free medical treatment to 100 freedom fighters of Bangladesh each year.

Harsh Vardhan Shringla, high commissioner of India, said this in Khulna yesterday at “Muktijoddha Scholarship Award Ceremony” organised by the Indian high commission and Muktijuddho Academy. 

During the programme he also announced that the freedom fighters wishing to travel to India from now on will be eligible for five years' multiple entry Indian visa.

An assistant high commission of India will be opened in Khulna soon, he added. 

A total of 30 students from Khulna region received scholarship cheques from the high commissioner in yesterday.

High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan announced that the Indian government has extended the “Muktijodha Scholarship Scheme” for five more years. During this period 10,000 more students -- heirs of freedom fighters from Bangladesh -- will receive scholarships worth Tk 35 crore.

Dr Abul Kalam Azad, chairman of Muktijuddho Academy, told to The Daily Star that under the scholarship programme, the Indian government will disburse a onetime grant of Tk 20,000 to each scholarship recipient in higher secondary level while Tk 50,000 to each recipient in undergraduate level.

The Indian high commissioner said India is constructing a railway line between Khulna and Mongla and it wishes to develop the Mongla port. Direct train and bus services from Kolkata to Khulna have already been inaugurated during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India in April this year.

Dr Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to the Bangladesh prime minister; Enayet Ali, member of Bangladesh constitution formation committee; Sheikh Harunur Rashid, chairman of Khulna Zila Parishad; and Abdus Samad, Khulna Divisional Commissioner; also spoke.