Dhaka
The Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pranay Verma, emphasized the significance of the 1971 Liberation War as the foundation for the close ties between Bangladesh and India. Speaking at the inauguration of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ inaugural flight from Dhaka to Chennai at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Verma underscored the shared history and sacrifices that bind the two nations. Verma expressed the need to cherish the friendship and reaffirm the commitment to preserving and promoting the spirit of 1971, which continues to be the bedrock of the bilateral relationship. He acknowledged the shared sacrifices made for Bangladesh’s freedom as a testament to the enduring friendship between Delhi and Dhaka. India, Verma stated, stands ready to collaborate with Bangladesh in realizing its vision of a stable, progressive, and prosperous nation. Describing the current state of relations as being at the cusp of a ‘Sonali Adhyay’ (golden chapter), he highlighted the rapid growth in the level and scope of partnership and engagement between the two countries. Connectivity, particularly in terms of air travel, has played a pivotal role in transforming the relationship. Verma mentioned that over 120 flights connect Dhaka with five major Indian cities weekly, in addition to a Delhi flight linking Chattogram with Kolkata. The Indian High Commissioner emphasized the increasing people-to-people interactions, with over 15 lakh visas issued to Bangladeshi citizens visiting India during the last financial year. He expressed the desire for this number to grow, citing the importance of people-to-people relations in fostering a special bond. Verma noted the Indian High Commission’s efforts to improve resources to handle the growing volume of visa requests from Bangladeshi nationals. The addition of new transport links and the rising number of people traveling between the two countries reflect a new era of growing engagement and momentum in people-to-people relations.
