DHAKA, Aug 19, 2023 (BSS) - Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque today said the friendship and harmony between Bangladesh and India had been written with the letters of blood and the friendship will remain inseparable.

"Bangladesh-India friendship is not just a common friendship rather it is a deep-rooted bond written in blood of about 2,700 Indian soldiers mixed with the soil of Bengal during the great Liberation War", said Mozammel Haque.

The minister was addressing a discussion today at the Kabi Sufia Kamal auditorium of National Museum marking National Mourning Day and 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma addressed the programme as special guest while organization's president and war-wounded freedom fighter Md Rashidul, Awami League Advisor council member Mozaffar Hossain Paltu, lawmaker Basanti Chakma, lawmaker Aroma Dutta and organization's general secretary Narayan Saha Moni also addressed, among others.

The vested quarters have been hatching conspiracies to destroy the friendship but no one will be able to materialize their evil plan successful as the bonding is based on blood, Mozammel told the discussion, organised by Bangladesh-India (Bharat) Maitri Samity (Friendship Association).

Regarding America's recent activities ahead of the next national parliament election, the minister said, "There are 21 countries in the world where election is scheduled for this year. But why they (USA) are paying maximum attention to Bangladesh overlooking Pakistan, Afghanistan and many more countries".

They are giving us advice and lessons about democracy whereas their former president Donald Trump during last election said, "If I lose the election, I am not going to accept the result", he said, adding, "How such a nation whose president can talk to teach us democracy, human rights or give advice".

"Why didn't you talk about human rights during the election of Ziaur Rahman and the killing of Bangabandhu on August 15, 1975?... rather the killers have been sheltered in your country... So what is your position? Is it in favor of the murders?" he added.

The minister said, "Self-confessed murderers can never get political asylum in any country. After offering them political shelter, if you talk about human rights in this country, then the people of the world understand how rational it is".

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma said, "Bangabandhu has espoused the ideas of democracy, human rights and social justice. His indomitable spirit, visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the welfare of his people continue to inspire the generations not just within the border of Bangladesh but beyond it as well".

"We are also expecting reaffirmation and cooperation between India and Bangladesh", he said, adding, "Bangabandhu established relation between India and Bangladesh."

Pranay Verma said, "United by common goals as our shared struggles and sacrifices of our people during the liberation war of 1971 have forced unbreakable bond and mutual respect that will continue to live on". 

Today Bangladesh is on the verge of progress and development and India stand with the people of Bangladesh as a steadfast partner and committed to stand together against extremism, intolerance and violence, he added.
 
"As we honour the memory of Bangabandhu and his sacrifices, we remain committed to working together with Bangladesh in preserving and promoting the legacy and spirit of 1971 that remains the foundation of India-Bangladesh friendship that will be the best tribute that we can ever pay to Bangabandhu and his legacy," he said.

Presidium member of the organization and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs Benjir Ahmed and former ambassador Waliur Rahman also addressed the discussion, conducted by presidium member of the organization Bir Muktijodha Md Abdul Haque.