In an exercise that is aimed at cementing bilateral relations and camaraderie, New Delhi and Dhaka have jointly decided to organize a logo and backdrop designing competition to commemorate the “Maitree Diwas”. After Bangladesh gained independence, India recognised the country on December 6, 1971. The contest is open to citizens of both countries and entries will be accepted till the month end.

The purpose is to mark December 6, henceforth as ‘Maitree Diwas’ or Friendship Day, the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh said.

“The logo and backdrop are to represent the spirit of the Bangladesh Liberation War, the ideology and vision of the Bangladeshi struggle, and the spirit of fraternity and solidarity extended to this struggle by the people of India,” it said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Dhaka in March to participate in the celebrations commemorating 50 years of independence of the South Asian nation described Bangladesh as a “soho jatri” or a co-traveller in the development of the region.

India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-km long border– the fifth-longest land border in the world. Several states including West Bengal, Assam Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram have international borders with Bangladesh.

“India and Bangladesh do share a special bond which has been emphasised by the Prime Ministers of both countries. It is practically not possible for India to flourish and develop if Bangladesh or for that matter other neighbouring countries are lagging behind,” late Shakti Sinha, who served as director, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Policy Research and International Studies, MS University had told India Narrative in an exclusive interview.

Meanwhile, India is also expected to resume exports of Covid 19 vaccines to Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.