South Asia

India's future and security linked with Bangladesh: Indian official

Published: 14:29, 16 August 2023

Smita Pant, a prominent figure within the Bangladesh-Myanmar Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, voiced a significant perspective on Tuesday. According to her, India's trajectory, particularly its security landscape, is undeniably intertwined with the fate of Bangladesh.

Within this shared journey, Bangladesh and India possess substantial potential for collective accomplishments, with noteworthy emphasis placed on domains like renewable energy and safeguarding the Sunderbans delta, Smita Pant emphasized.
Her remarks were delivered during an event commemorating the anniversary of the martyrdom of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as reported by Times Now News.
Smita Pant underscored the tragic events of 1975, when Bangabandhu and his family were ruthlessly assassinated. Despite this grave act, Pant emphasized that the perpetrators were unsuccessful in eradicating his enduring principles.
Pant highlighted the nation's resolute rejection of extremism. Bangladesh is steadily advancing toward achieving middle-income status, standing as a significant contributor of UN peacekeepers, distinguishing itself globally.
Commencing the discourse, Mohammed Mustafizur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, resonated the sentiments of Bangabandhu's unwavering struggle for the rights of the marginalized. Rahman characterized these efforts as a blueprint for the international community. The High Commissioner echoed that, while assassins may have taken Bangabandhu's life, they were unable to erase the indomitable principles and ideals he embodied. These foundational teachings and ideologies continue to endure in the hearts of many.
Adding to the narrative, Pankaj Saran, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, concurred with the growing socio-economic advancements within Bangladesh. He highlighted that the nation's progress now surpasses that of Pakistan and even, in certain aspects, India. Saran attributed this transformation to the visionary outlook of Bangabandhu, who envisaged not only a prosperous Bangladesh but also harmonious relations with India.