Indian Council of World Affairs

It gives me immense pleasure to warmly welcome Hon’ble Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Minister of Information and Broadcasting of Bangladesh to the Indian Council of World Affairs.  We are honoured that Minister Hasan Mahmud has consented to launch the ICWA publication, ‘A Bangladesh War Commentary’ by late Shri U.L. Baruah, of All India Radio.  I also welcome Excellency High Commissioner Muhammad Imran and the family of Shri U.L. Baruah, who are amongst us today.

The book launch is happening at a historic time when Bangladesh celebrates its Golden Jubilee of Independence as well as the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu - Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This year, India and Bangladesh are also commemorating 50 years of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

The strength of India-Bangladesh friendship flows from a shared history of courage, conviction and sacrifice. The bilateral relations are strong, and moving forward in multiple areas like connectivity, energy, power, defence, security and development co-operation.  These strong ties are an outcome of the deep commitment of the leaders of the two countries to a shared vision of growth and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Even in the fight against the pandemic, India and Bangladesh have been cooperating extensively in Covid related issues.  PM Modi’s State visit to Bangladesh in March 2021- his first foreign visit since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, highlights the importance both countries attach to each other; and Minister Mahmud’s visit to India, is a reflection of the desire of both countries to sustain this momentum in our bilateral ties.

We admire Bangladesh’s remarkable achievements in human development and economic progress, under the dynamic leadership of PM Sheikh Hasina.  It is a confident and prosperous Bangladesh that is today celebrating its journey of 50 years.

In this milestone year, the stirring events of the past five decades are being recorded through a flow of memoirs, chronicles and accounts.  The insightful book “A Bangladesh War Commentary” by Shri U.L. Barua is, in a way, a homage to the valiant sacrifices of the people of Bangladesh in their fight against injustice, discrimination and genocide.  Led by the conviction of Bangabandhu, it is a story of sheer determination, courage and grit, in the face of a brutal armed oppressor.

The book helps in building a better understanding of the various events that led to the War of Liberation and is a reminder of the supreme sacrifices that gave birth to a proud nation Bangladesh.

ICWA is happy to host this event in the august presence of Hon’ble Minister, who is also known for his erudite understanding of Bangladesh’s war of liberation and India Bangladesh relations.

Thank you Minister for your presence.

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