Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Bangladesh on Friday for their 50th year of Independence and shared with them the little known but remarkable fact that he had been put in jail as a youngster for participating in a political protest to support the freedom movement of the neighbouring nation.
"The freedom struggle of Bangladesh was a significant moment in my journey too… My colleagues and I had done a satyagraha in India… I must have been 20 to 22 years old. I even had the opportunity to go to jail during this satyagraha for Bangladesh's struggle for freedom," PM Modi said in his address at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka.
Attired in a "Mujib Jacket" as a tribute to Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, PM Modi attended the National Day ceremony with the country's President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina "This is one of the most memorable days of my life. I am grateful that Bangladesh has included me in this event," he said, as he paid a rich tribute to the contribution of the soldiers of the Bangladesh and the Indian Army in Bangladesh's 1971 war for freedom.
Talking of the shared heritage of the two nations, the PM said, “I would like to remind one more thing to the young generation here and I would like to be reminded with great pride. Joining that struggle in the struggle for independence of Bangladesh was one of the first movements of my life. I must have been 20-22 years old when I and many of my colleagues had done Satyagraha for the freedom of the people of Bangladesh.”
“In support of Bangladesh's independence, I had also given arrest and had the opportunity to go to jail. That is, the yearning for Bangladesh's independence was as much as it was here. Here the pictures of the heinous crimes and atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army did not allow them to sleep for many days,” the PM said.
"We will never ever forget the sacrifice the soldiers of this great nation have made and also those by Indians who stood beside the soldiers of Bangladesh… we have not forgotten their bravery and courage…. we will never forget it," the PM said.
He said both India and Bangladesh have the power of democracy and vision for the future, and it is necessary for the region the two countries progress together. "That is why Indian and Bangladeshi governments are making meaningful efforts in this direction."
“Our goals are also shared, our challenges are also shared. We have to remember that while there are similar possibilities for us in trade and industry, there are similar threats like terrorism. The thinking and powers that carry out such inhuman events are still active.”
“We must also be careful with them and also be organized to fight them. We both have the power of democracy, have a clear vision to move forward. Let India and Bangladesh move together, it is equally important for the development of this entire region,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister also presented the Gandhi Peace Prize to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana.
