President Ram Nath Kovind ends 3-day visit to Bangladesh

Dhaka, Dec 17 (UNI) Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday ended a three-day visit to Bangladesh after interacting with a cross section of people including veterans of the 1971 war that broke up Pakistan, eminent citizens and members of the Indian community here.

Addressing a public reception, Kovind, who on Thursday took part in the massive celebrations here marking the military victory over Pakistan, said Bangladesh has a special place in the hearts of Indians.

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The unique relationship between the two countries is based on age-old ties of kinship, language and culture, he said.

Pointing out the importance of connectivity for economic growth and better living standards, Kovind reiterated India’s commitment to assist and partner with Bangladesh in its journey towards a strong economy.

On the last day of his visit, Kovind inaugurated the renovated Ramana Kali temple in Dhaka.

The temple was destroyed and more than 60 people were massacred by the Pakistan Army during the 1971 liberation war. The temple has been renovated with support from the Indian High commission in Bangladesh.

During the three-day visit, Kovind made several key announcements including the gifting of the Bangabandhu Bapu digital exhibition to the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka and the announcement of the first occupant of the Bangabandhu Chair at Delhi University.

The scholarship scheme for the family members of the Liberation War fighters was also extended for five years. Kovind handed over a replica of the 1971 era MiG-21 aircraft to the President of Bangladesh while the aircraft itself was gifted to the National Museum of Bangladesh.

India’s relationship with Bangladesh is one of the main pillars of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East Policies’.

India and Bangladesh enjoy robust and multifaceted bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, including trade and connectivity, energy and power, water resources, border management, defence and security, culture and people-to-people links, said the Ministry of External Affairs.

UNI MAZ MR