Despite incessant rain yesterday, pro-liberation campaigners held rallies across 23 districts of the country to mark the Maitree Divas as a testament to the historic bond between Bangladesh and India.

Commemorating the official recognition by India on December 6, during the Liberation War in 1971, One Bangladesh, a platform led by university teachers and professionals, organised this event in 23 districts.

With the theme "Friendship between Bangladesh and India based on shared sacrifices," 2,000 participants carried banners and posters and placards during the rallies.

Photos of Pakistan's surrender on December 16, news clippings of India's recognition of Bangladesh, and the wreckage of Pakistani naval ships bombed by fearless commandos were also displayed at the rallies.

"India trained daring naval commandos of Bangladesh," "India sheltered 10 million refugees," "India trained and armed freedom fighters," "Over 18,000 Indians died during the liberation war," read some of the posters.

"While most superpowers turned their back on us, India drummed up support for Bangladesh across the world. They sheltered our refugees, allied with us, and helped us drive out the occupational forces," said the participants.

They staged rallies in 23 districts including, Rangamati, Rangpur, Kushtia, Chattogram, Jamalpur, Pabna, Thakurgaon, Joypurhat, Sherpur, Sylhet and Chandpur.