The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, HE Mr. Abdul Hamid in Rashtrapati Bhavan today (December 19, 2014).
The President welcomed the Bangladeshi President to India and complimented him for the personal role played by him in the consolidation of India -Bangladesh relations. He said India attaches the highest importance to bilateral relations with Bangladesh, a close friend and neighbour. India has always believed that a strong, stable and prosperous Bangladesh is in its interest.
The President said it is greatly satisfying for India to see that Bangladesh, today, represents a high growth economy with a promising future. It is heartening to see the impressive strides made by Bangladesh on human development, healthcare, education, women’s empowerment and other socio-economic fronts.
The President handed over to the Bangladeshi President recordings of transmissions made by All India Radio and Doordarshan during the Liberation War of 1971. He recalled that valiant Mukti Bahini soldiers fought hand in hand with Indian troops for Bangladesh’s liberation. He expressed hope that these recordings will remind people of Bangladesh of those momentous times.
The President of Bangladesh reciprocated the sentiments and praised the President for having been a friend of Bangladesh for long. He said the people of Bangladesh hold the President in the highest of regard. He invited President Mukherjee to visit Bangladesh again.
This release issued at 2010 hrs.