SPEECH BY MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OF INDIA SHRI E. AHMED AT BANGLADESH BHARAT MAITRI SAMITI, BANGLADESH BHARAT SHAMPRITI PARISHAD AND BANGLADESH MUKTIJODDHA KALYAN FOUNDATION IN DHAKA ON AUGUST 1, 2006
* It is a privilege for me to address the distinguished gathering present here today. Many of you played an important role in the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 and have made immense sacrifices to create this vibrant nation. Today, I would also like to remember the countless men and women who laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. They are not amongst us today but their memories still inspire us. It is their courage and sacrifice that enables us today to lead our lives in freedom.
* The democratic and secular values of our own freedom struggle motivated the people of India to wholeheartedly extend their unstinting support to the people of Bangladesh in their fight for liberation. Today, I am reminded of the words of late Prime Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi who had declared at a public rally here in Dhaka on March 17th 1972: “If India has helped you, it is because we could not sit idly by after hearing your voice and after knowing of the sorrow and suffering that you have undergone. If we have helped you, it is in order to be true to ourselves, and to the principles to which we have adhered for years”.
* We in India have watched Bangladesh with admiration as all sections of the people rallied together and dedicated themselves to building a new nation. As you now prepare for the next general elections. Let us not forget that our freedom today, our ability to freely exercise our democratic choice, which is taken for granted, has been built on the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. We in India have learnt that it takes enormous strength to preserve our freedom and institutions and to work constantly to build upon and strengthen them.
* I have been contesting elections since 1967. In addition to my five terms in the Kerala State Legislative Assembly, this is my fifth term as an elected member of parliament. Let me draw upon this long and enriching experience and share a few thoughts with you.
* With a population of one billion and an electorate of more than 650 million, India is not only a flourishing democracy but can rightfully claim to be the world's largest. In the last general election in India , the 14th, in which my government was elected, more than 60% of the people turned-out to cast their vote. It is not only a staggering statistic but a daunting exercise as well.
* The very process of an election contains within it two interrelated aspects; on the one hand the simple but powerful act of freely casting their vote greatly empowers the people; and on the other, the very process of regular elections not only ensure the fearless exercise of political choice but facilitate the orderly change of governments.* I am sharing my experiences because there is today a great focus on the forthcoming general elections in Bangladesh, due to take place by January next year. There is already an intense debate in Bangladesh on the coming elections. I must admit that there is also a keen interest in India . But to me, the discussions and debate that surround the forthcoming elections are a clear demonstration of the strength of the democratic traditions in Bangladesh . We hope that the next general elections will be truly free and fair, as befits a vibrant democracy like Bangladesh . At the same time, I would also like to underline that we look forward to working with whichever government the people of Bangladesh decide to elect.
* We, in India , attach the highest importance to our relations with Bangladesh . This sentiment is shared by all, cutting across party lines. A strong, stable, secular, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh is not only in the interests of the people of India , but also for the region as a whole and, most importantly for the people of Bangladesh . Let me assure you that there is no dilution whatsoever in our commitment to extend all assistance and cooperation to help Bangladesh achieve these goals.
* Terrorism, today, poses the greatest danger to the peaceful and stable existence of nation-states in the world today. It is the open and democratic societies that are most vulnerable to the threat posed by extremism and terrorism. The recent blasts in Mumbai and Srinagar have once again shown the kind of destruction such elements can cause and the extent to which these elements can go to impose their views and beliefs.
* We believe Bangladesh should and can set an example to others. It is in our mutual interest to cooperate and work to curb the rise of fundamentalist and extremist beliefs.
* With a common historical heritage, language, literature, music and art there is much that unites our two countries. We can expend our energies in constructing artificial divisions or address the vital challenges that confront our people. Just as Durga puja is celebrated with joy in Bangladesh , India 's 150 million Muslims herald Id ul Fitr to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Just as lakhs of Muslim pilgrims throng each year to the annual Bishwa Ijtema congregation at Tongi (near Dhaka ), equal numbers travel to India each year to offer ziarat at Ajmer Sharief.
* As neighbors it is natural that differences will arise but it is only through dialogue and understanding that trust can be created. Once we are committed to meaningfully working together we can hope to work for resolution of complex issues.
* In conclusion, I would like to say that all of you have an important role to play. I do believe that in achieving our goal of implementing the vision of a dynamic South Asia region, organisations like the Bangladesh-Bharat Maitri Samiti, the Bangladesh Bharat Shampriti Parishad and the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Kalyan Foundation can play a catalytical role. I believe that by continuing to preserve the spirit and ethos that marked your struggle for independence can also help to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations.
* I will end by quoting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In his address to the 13th SAARC Summit, here in Dhaka last November, Dr. Manmohan Singh said: “ India seeks a neighbourhood of peace and prosperity. Our sub-continent has been home to all the great religions of the world. It is a powerhouse of human creativity, where knowledge is worshipped as the gift of our creators. With wisdom and farsightedness, we South Asians can transform not just this region, but the whole world”.
Thank You.
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