Dhaka (Bangladesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of their National Day, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

In a message addressed to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, PM Modi said, “I extend my felicitations to you and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh".

He underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, saying, "This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, which have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership. The spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for our relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples".

PM Modi further emphasised the importance of maintaining mutual respect and cooperation, stating, "We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns".

President Murmu’s message to Bangladesh’s President

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her greetings to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations.

"On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day", she wrote.

She reiterated the multi-faceted nature of India-Bangladesh relations, stating, "India-Bangladesh relations are multi-faceted, with our cooperation encompassing diverse areas such as trade, multimodal connectivity, development partnership, power and energy, education, capacity building, cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Bangladesh is at the focus of India's "Neighbourhood First" and "Act East" policies, our SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Vision. India reiterates its support for a democratic, stable, inclusive, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh," Murmu said.

Significance of Bangladesh’s National Day

Bangladesh marks its National Day on March 26, commemorating its declaration of independence from Pakistan in 1971. India and Bangladesh observed December 6 as Maitri Diwas as New Delhi had recognised Dhaka on this day in 1971.

India was the second country, after Bhutan, to recognize Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent state on December 6 in 1971. The day was designated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Bangladesh-India Friendship Day (Moitree Dibosh) in March 2021.

ANI