By MM Special Correspondent
Dhaka: General Secretary, All India Congress Committee, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is leading a high level delegation to attend the 20th Triennial conference of Bangladesh Awami League at Dhaka, said on Saturday India and Bangladesh share a long standing relationship.
While delivering his speech, Azad said , “The relationship between the two political parties–the Awami League and the Indian National Congress is very strong and goes way back in time. Congress has lent its support to the Awami League in some of its most defining moments in history and I am happy that our efforts have been graciously acknowledged in the citation included in the award conferred on Ms. Indira Gandhi which states, I quote, “Ms. Indira Gandhi stood by the side of the people of Bangladesh from the beginning of the Liberation War despite various adversities. She provided shelter to about one crore Bangladeshi refugees. She provided courage in the Liberation War by facing different diplomatic hurdles. She played a great role in freeing Bangabandhu from Pakistani jail. Her contribution to Bangladesh’s Liberation War will be remembered forever.”
Azad said that, the Awami League and the Indian National Congress have played an instrumental role in the development of their countries during the post independence period.
Speaking about the relations between India and Bangladesh, Azad said that successive Governments lead by the Congress Prime Ministers of India and The Awami League Prime Ministers of Bangladesh have on various issues helped in cementing the ties between the two countries.
Recalling the passage of 100th Constitutions Amendment Bill in Indian Parliament, Azad said “As the leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, I witnessed the historic passage of the 100th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Indian Parliament which gave effect to Land boundary Agreement. It was indeed a milestone in Bangladesh-India relations as well as the functioning of our Parliamentary democracy as the Indian National Congress and all Indian political parties showed a great demonstration of comradeship by unanimously adopting the bill.”
“India’s links with Bangladesh are civilizational, cultural, social and economic. There is much that unites the two countries – a shared history and common heritage, linguistic and cultural ties, passion for music, literature and the arts.” said Azad.
Pradeep Bhattacharya, MP, Abhijeet Mukherjee, MP, and Mrs. Mausam Noor, MP are accompanying Mr. Azad for attending 20th Triennial Conference of Bangladesh Awami League being held at Dhaka.
Congress during its regime maintained excellent diplomatic relations and maintained balance in the region.