Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina greets Indians on Republic Day
“New frontiers of bilateral cooperation alongside traditional areas of engagement are being opened, even during the difficult times created by the pandemic,” she mentioned
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended warm wishes and greetings to the Indian people marking the 72nd Republic Day of India.
In a message the PM said, "On this auspicious occasion, I reiterate my wishes for the peace, progress and development of India and the people this great country."
Lauding the bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation, she said the special ties of friendship, cooperation and trust between the two countries are flourishing from strength to strength.
"New frontiers of bilateral cooperation alongside traditional areas of engagement are being opened, even during the difficult times created by the pandemic," she mentioned.
Sheikh Hasina further said, "Our two governments are working closely to take our relations to a newer height including through celebration of the birth centenary of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, 50 years of Bangladesh's Independence as well as that of diplomatic relations."
Over the participation of a Bangladesh Armed Forces troop in Republic Day parade, the prime minister said, "I am proud to learn that a 122-member tri-services contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces is participating in the Republic Day parade of India this year."
India honours 26 January every year, the day on which the country's constitution came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document and thus, turning the nation into a newly formed republic.
However, this year, India scaled down the Republic Day parade due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
For the first time in over five decades, India did not invite a foreign leader as the chief guest at its Republic Day parade this year.
The last time India did not invite any foreign leader was in 1966 due to the sudden demise of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, following which Indira Gandhi was sworn in as the country's first female prime minister on January 24 that year, two days ahead of Republic Day.