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Published : 27 Jan 2025, 02:56 AM
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has celebrated Republic Day with representatives from the Bangladesh's government, armed forces, politics, civil society, business, media, education, culture, religion, and diplomacy.
The vibrant 76th Republic Day celebration was held on Saturday at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma and his spouse Manu Verma welcomed the guests. After the speeches, artists performed an enchanting Odissi dance.
The interim government’s Education and Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud delivered a speech as a guest.
Law Advisor Asif Nazrul attended with his wife, Shila Ahmed.
Among BNP leaders, Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy were present. Other notable BNP attendees included Organising Secretary Shama Obaid, International Relations Secretary Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, Executive Committee member Nipun Roy Chowdhury, and International Affairs Committee member Ishraque Hossain.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, along with other officers from different levels of the armed forces, participated in the event.
Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, former information advisor to Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, also attended the celebration.
Dr Kamal Hossain, emeritus president of Gono Forum, also attended the Republic Day celebration.
Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Muhammad Rashed Khan were among the guests.
The Jatiya Party delegation included Chairman GM Quader, General Secretary Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Presidium Member Shamim Haider Patwary, and former general secretary and minister ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader.
Other notable attendees included Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Ruhin Hossain (Prince), General Secretary of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal Bazlur Rashid Firoz, President of Bangladesh Jasad Sharif Nurul Ambia, Chairman of the National Democratic Movement Bobby Hajjaj, and Bikalpadhara Bangladesh Spokesperson Mahi B Chowdhury.
Govinda Chandra Pramanik, general secretary of the Hindu Mahajot, was also present at the celebration.
Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin, former foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen, and Secretary Riaz Hamidullah, recently nominated as the next High Commissioner to India, attended alongside several other officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event was graced by the heads of diplomatic missions from countries including the United States, Germany, France, the European Union, Australia, Switzerland, and Nepal, among others.
bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi, Daily Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Managing Editor of Prothom Alo Anisul Hoque; and photographer Shahidul Alam were also in attendance.
Economists and researchers included CPD’s Honorary Fellow Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director Fahmida Khatun, economic analyst Mamun Rashid, and SANEM Executive Director Selim Raihan.
From the business community, former BGMEA president Faruque Hassan, BKMEA Executive President Fazle Shamim Ehsan, and former BASIS president Syed Almas Kabir were in attendance.
The cultural arena was represented by theatre personalities Ramendu Majumdar and Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu, dancer Shibli Mohammad, and actors Bidya Sinha Saha Mim and Sohana Saba, and singer Mehreen Ahmed.
Veterans of the Liberation War, including Operation Jackpot leader Abdul Wahed Chowdhury and retired lieutenant colonel Qazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, Bir Protik, also attended the celebration.
Education Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud highlighted the extensive collaboration between Bangladesh and India across various fields in recent years.
He emphasised that Bangladesh remains committed to strengthening relations with all neighbours, including India, based on mutual respect and understanding of each other's perspectives, priorities, and concerns.
"For peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region," the advisor added, "Bangladesh aims to build strong ties with all neighbours, including India, based on transparency and equality."
Referring to India as Bangladesh’s closest neighbour, Wahiduddin said: "We are committed to fostering people-centric relationships that ensure the well-being of citizens in both countries. I am confident that our relationship will continue to strengthen, founded on mutual trust and confidence."
On governance, he remarked: "The interim government is committed to creating an environment for free, fair, and participatory elections, establishing inclusive and pluralistic democracy, and meeting the expectations of the people through transparent governance."
At the event, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said as they celebrate Republic Day, they place immense importance on our relationship with Bangladesh and extend their best wishes to its people for their journey ahead.
He emphasised India’s unwavering support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.
"We have supported and will continue to support Bangladesh in its aspirations for such a future."
Highlighting the deeply people-centric nature of the ties between the two nations, rooted in familial and social connections across borders, Verma remarked: "Our bond is defined by our shared love for literature, music, and art, which bring our peoples even closer together."
