President Kovind remembered the harsh sacrifices of the people of Bangladesh to get freedom from oppression. He said, ‘We salute your indomitable courage in fighting against the odds. I am sure that the relationship created by the blood and sacrifice shed in 1971 will bind our countries in future also.
President Ram Nath Kovind.
Referring to the “specially close” relationship between India and Bangladesh based on decades-old kinship, shared language and culture, President Ram Nath Kovind said here on Friday that Bangladesh should India is committed to helping it to make a strong economy and more prosperous. President Kovind made these remarks while addressing the Indian community ahead of the conclusion of his first visit to Bangladesh.
He arrived on Wednesday on a three-day visit to the country at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart M. Abdul Hamid to participate in the golden celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in the 1971 Liberation War. He said, ‘Bangladesh has a special place in the hearts of Indians. We have a particularly close relationship based on decades-long kinship, shared language and culture.
Reiterating his support for Bangladesh, Kovind said that India will stand in support of a Bangladesh that imbibes the values emanating from the country’s liberation movement. “India is committed to helping Bangladesh in its journey to a stronger economy, to partner with you in its journey to be more prosperous,” he said.
Inauguration of the historic Ramana Kali temple
President Kovind also remembered the harsh sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh to get freedom from oppression. He said, ‘We salute your indomitable courage in fighting against the formidable odds. I am sure that the relationship created by the blood and sacrifice shed in 1971 will bind our countries in future also.
At the same time, today President Kovind inaugurated the historic Shri Ramna Kali Mandir and described it as a symbol of cultural and spiritual bond between the people of India and Bangladesh. In the year 1971, this temple was demolished by the Pakistan Army. Now the temple has been renovated. President and First Lady Savita Kovind also offered prayers at the restored temple.
The temple was demolished by the Pakistani army
The temple was completely demolished by the Pakistani army in 1971 under ‘Operation Searchlight’. According to some reports, the temple was set on fire and devotees and all the people living in the temple were killed in this incident. Addressing the Indian community after inaugurating the temple, Kovind said, ‘This morning, I went to the historic Shri Ramana Kali Temple, where I had the privilege of inaugurating it. I see it as the blessings of Maa Kali.
Kovind said, ‘I have been told that the governments and people of India and Bangladesh helped in the restoration of this temple, which was demolished by the Pakistani army in the liberation war. During this many people were killed. The President said, ‘This temple is a symbol of cultural and spiritual bond between the people of India and Bangladesh. This marks the auspicious end of my Bangladesh trip. India helped in the restoration of the temple. Let us tell you that in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, 10 percent of the population is of Hindus. The total population of the country is 16.9 crores.
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