Bangladesh is a role model for socioeconomic growth: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla

New Delhi: Bangladesh has emerged as a role model for strong socioeconomic growth. 

"The growth of Bangladesh is not just in the interest of the people of Bangladesh, but equally, in the interest of the region and beyond. It is this spirit of interdependence and fraternal ties that drive our development cooperation with Bangladesh, which is the largest that we have with any country," Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla said, addressing India-Bangladesh Friendship Dialogue.

"Today, as Bangladesh commemorates fifty years of its independence, I am happy to note that its growth has proven its detractors wrong," he said.

Mr Shringla said Bangladesh is commemorating 'Ekushey' or Language Day. "70 years ago on this day, the youth of the then East Pakistan made supreme sacrifices for the recognition and respect for their mother language. Now the whole world celebrates this day as the International Mother Language Day." 

He said, "I pay my tributes to the language heroes who laid down their lives for a very noble cause. With your valuable support and encouragement, we have been able to achieve some remarkable feats together in recent years."

Shringla further said last year was truly a milestone in the history of India- Bangladesh bilateral ties. "Uniquely, the Hon'ble President as well as Prime Minister of India visited Bangladesh in 2021 to celebrate the 'Triveni' of the historic anniversaries of Bangladesh's independence, Victory Day and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," said Shringla.

He also said External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also paid a visit to Dhaka last year. "These high level engagements are reflective of the priority that both countries attach to this relationship. More importantly, they reflect the trust and confidence that we have in each other," he said.