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Bangladesh envoy recalls shared sacrifices

NEW DELHI: Amid strain in bilateral ties, Bangladeshs High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah used the occasion of Bangladesh Armed Forces Day to honour the sacrifices made by both nations during the 1971 Liberation War and to underline the enduring strength of the relationship. Speaking at a reception at the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Monday, marking the day in 1971 when Bangladeshs Army, Navy and Air Force formally came into being, Hamidullah recalled the coordinated push against Pakistani forces. India was represented by Lt Gen Manish Luthra, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), who attended as chief guest. Members of the diplomatic community and several Indian veterans of the 1971 war were also present. The envoy said: I do recall the valued contributions of the 1,668 Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1971 war. I acknowledge the surviving war veterans of India. No less should we pay homage to countless ordinary women, men and families in India, especially in Tripura and West Bengal, who endured so much and shared millions of Bangladeshs agony during the war. Highlighting the foundations of the partnership, he described Bangladesh-India relations as deep and multi-layered, bound by shared history, shared culture, shared geography. Our two people are tied just organically. Its a relationship thats embedded in mutual respect and trust, not to be driven by a zero-sum game. While acknowledging that challenges had emerged, the envoy stressed Dhakas preference for dialogue and pragmatism. Bangladesh has consistently relied on conversation and negotiation, believing in a shared future, he said. It is what I and my colleagues across India engage in practically, to secure peace, stability and prosperity in Bangladesh and India. Hamidullah also noted expanding defence engagement, saying he was satisfied with the multifaceted cooperation between the two armed forces. These interactions, he added, ought to continue and flourish, to the mutual benefit of our people. He also spoke about Bangladeshs contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, noting that 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers had lost their lives, and said troops were now assisting civil authorities ahead of general elections expected in early 2026. Dhaka has relied on conversation and negotiation While acknowledging that challenges had emerged, the envoy stressed Dhakas preference for dialogue and pragmatism. Bangladesh has consistently relied on conversation and negotiation, believing in a shared future, he said. It is what I and my colleagues across India engage in practically, to secure peace, stability and prosperity in Bangladesh and India.

26 Nov 2025 7:52 am