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January 26, 2010 - Message from H.E. Mr. Rajeet Mitter, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh on the occasion of 61st Republic Day of India |
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On the occasion of 60th Anniversary of the Day when India proclaimed itself a Republic, I extend my warm greetings to the friendly people of Bangladesh and to my fellow countrymen living here.
For six decades India has been a democratic Republic and has been guided by the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The 60th milestone is marked with the many successes that we have achieved in different fields. We can look at our achievements with justifiable pride. Our constitution, ethos of secularism, regular holding of free and fair elections, fundamental rights, apolitical armed forces, all have been sustained in the world’s largest democracy. Today, the world looks at us as an engine of economic growth in addressing the challenges posed by global economic downturn.
India and Bangladesh enjoy bonds of history, language and culture, and share commitment to democracy, pluralism and rule of law. People of India and Bangladesh have witnessed beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations with the path-breaking visit of Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India from January 10 to 13, 2010. The Prime Ministers of India Bangladesh agreed to put in place a comprehensive framework of cooperation for development of the two countries, encapsulating their mutually shared vision for the future, which would include cooperation in security, water resources, power, transportation, connectivity, tourism and education. They agreed on a vision for the future in the pursuit of common good – bilaterally, regionally and globally.
India is committed to partner with Bangladesh in its economic development. Speaking at the ceremony for presentation of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2009 to H.E. Sheikh Hasina on January 12, 2010, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said, “I reiterate our commitment to work together with the Government and people of Bangladesh to shape brighter future for our people and to enhance their common prosperity and development.”
During the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh, both leaders agreed to address an entire range of developmental issues of direct interest to Bangladesh, including railways, transportation, dredging, power grid connectivity, human resource development, investment and trade. In this context, India has agreed to extend a line of credit of US$ 1 billion for a range of projects, including railway infrastructure, supply of BG locomotives and passenger coaches, rehabilitation of Saidpur Workshop, procurement of buses and dredging projects. India has also agreed to supply 250 MW electricity to Bangladesh. India will support upgradation of BSTI with a view to building capacity on certification. Government of India would offer 300 scholarships annually for five years to students from Bangladesh for studying and training in Universities and training institutions in India.
With a view to reviving traditional links that remained disrupted since Independence, India has agreed to facilitate transit for Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan. India has agreed that trucks for movement from Bhutan and Nepal be allowed to enter 200 meters into Zero Point at Banglabandh.
We firmly believe that continued economic development of India is inextricably linked to the prosperity and development of its neighbours, including Bangladesh. In pursuit of this, India has been following a policy of non-reciprocity and positive asymmetry which is reflective in our unilateral initiatives such as providing duty free access to products from SAARC LDCs, including Bangladesh, to Indian market; reduction of a number of items of direct interest to Bangladesh from India’s negative list; and allowing duty free access for 8 million pieces of readymade Bangladeshi garments to India.
The menace of terrorism poses a major threat to peace and stability in the world, and security remains a priority for both India and Bangladesh. While expressing satisfaction that the people of both countries have rejected violence, extremism and terrorism, the leaders of India and Bangladesh have resolved to work together to strengthen forces of democracy and moderation. They reiterated the assurance that the territory of either country would not be allowed for activities inimical to the other and resolved not to allow their territories to be used by terrorist/militant and insurgent organisations.
I take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the support extended by the friendly people of Bangladesh to strengthen the traditional bonds of friendship between our two countries and look forward to their continuing cooperation in operationalising various areas of cooperation identified by the leaders of India and Bangladesh.
I wish you all a peaceful, happy, successful and prosperous year ahead.
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