Modi arrives today
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives today to join the celebrations of Mujib Borsho and golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.
This, Modi's first foreign visit since the outbreak of the coronavirus, comes at a time when the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relationship, the foundation of which was laid in 1971 when India supported Bangladesh's struggle for liberation.
The Indian government led by then prime minister Indira Gandhi had declared support for Bangladesh's independence, sheltered millions of refugees, trained freedom fighters and finally joined the war on December 3, 1971. Led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a new nation -- Bangladesh -- was born after nine months of war following the declaration of independence on March 26, 1971.
Today, after 50 years, Bangladesh is an economic miracle in South Asia and is reputed globally for its policy of "friendship to all and malice to none" and of standing for the oppressed anywhere in the world.
The friendship between Bangladesh and India is also dubbed as "golden chapter", with the two neighbours solving a myriad of challenges, including demarcating maritime and land boundary, cross-border terrorism, while boosting trade and commerce.
Over the last decade, the two countries have also largely broadened connectivity through rail, road, water and seaways with experts saying both the countries can grow faster with seamless connectivity.
Bangladesh is also one of the first countries to have received Covid-19 vaccine shots, which has helped it begin the inoculation of its people early. More will be coming from the Serum Institute of India in the coming months under a trilateral deal.
Modi would be the last global leader to join the 10-day twin celebration programmes that began on March 17 at the National Parade Square in the capital. The Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering visited earlier.
World leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pope Francis, and England's Queen Elizabeth II, also sent messages on the occasion.
"The main purpose of Narendra Modi's visit is the celebration of the golden jubilee of our independence," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told journalists on Wednesday.
Bangladesh and India will jointly celebrate the golden jubilee in nine countries this year.
"This is a joyous moment for both the countries. We want to solidify our relationship," Momen said.
Modi is scheduled to land at 11:00am. He will be received by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and a red carpet will be rolled out to welcome him.
He will then pay tribute to the martyrs at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar.
Later, he will visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32 to pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In the afternoon, Minister Momen will call on the Indian premier at Hotel Sonargaon.
Modi will deliver a speech at the celebrations at the National Parade Square today afternoon.
In the evening, Hasina and Modi will visit Bapu-Bangabandhu Digital Museum at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
Tomorrow, Modi will visit Bangabandhu's graveyard in Gopalganj's Tungipara and visit two temples -- Jashoreshwari Kali Temple in Shyamnagar of Satkhira and the other at Gopalganj's Orakandi, the birthplace of Harichand Thakur, the founder of the Matua community.
In the afternoon, the two premiers will hold a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, according to the schedule of his visit.
They will also inaugurate two commemorative stamps, marking the 50 years of diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and India.
The two prime ministers will also inaugurate projects, including Bapu-Bangabandhu Digital Museum, Swadhinata Sarak, a road connecting India from Mujibnagar in Meherpur; a passenger train on Chilahati-Haldibari rail route.
Modi will hand over 109 ambulances to Bangladesh. He will also hand over 12 lakh doses of AstraZeneca vaccine as a gift.
Minister Momen said some MoUs will also be signed during the meeting, but he did not disclose details.
Modi will also call on President Abdul Hamid at the Bangabhaban before flying back to India tomorrow evening.
"Our partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of our Neighbourhood First Policy, and we are committed to further deepen and diversify it. We will continue to support Bangladesh's remarkable development journey, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership," Modi tweeted last night, ahead of his Dhaka visit.
Earlier in the day, in a statement, the Indian PM said he was happy to visit Bangladesh with which India shares deep cultural, linguistic and people-to-people ties.
"I will be having substantive discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following our very productive virtual meeting in December last year. I also look forward to my meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," he said.
"My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh's remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visionary leadership, but also to commit India's support for these achievements.
"I will also express India's support and solidarity for Bangladesh's fight against Covid-19."
He also said Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions.
Talking about Modi's visit, Dhaka University International Relations Prof Imtiaz Ahmed said this is truly a joyous occasion for Bangladesh and India, and the Indian PM's main purpose is to join the celebrations.
"I don't think issues like the Teesta water sharing deal or border killing will come up during the meeting this time," he told The Daily Star.
He, however, said as the main occasion is golden jubilee of independence, it also reminds people of the genocide in 1971.
"Now that there is an issue of Rohingya genocide, and that Aung San Suu Kyi has been ousted by the military, we can expect Narendra Modi to take a stand for the Rohingyas," Imtiaz added.
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