In Dhaka, PM Modi says he was jailed for doing a satyagraha for freedom of Bangladesh

While addressing the National Day celebration event in Dhaka, Prime Minister Modi said that while the two countries have similar opportunities in trade and commerce, at the same time they have a similar threat like terrorism.

In the wake of rising terror activities worldwide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India and Bangladesh should remain united and vigilant to counter-terrorism in the region.
 

While addressing the National Day celebration event in Dhaka, Prime Minister Modi said that while the two countries have similar opportunities in trade and commerce, at the same time they have a similar threat like terrorism.
 

"The next 25 years are crucial for both India and Bangladesh. Our heritage is shared, our growth is shared, our targets and opportunities are also shared. We must remember that we have similar opportunities in the fields of trade and commerce, but at the same time, we have similar threats like terrorism. The ideas and powers behind such types of inhumane acts are still active. We must remain vigilant and united to counter them," the prime minister said.

During his address, he also invited 50 Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to get associated with India's innovation ecosystem and meet venture capitalists. 
 

"We will learn from them and they will learn from us as well. For the youth of Bangladesh, I announce the Swarna Jayanti scholarship for youths of Bangladesh," he said. 
 

The Swarnajayanti Fellowship is a research fellowship awarded annually by the Department of Science and Technology for notable and outstanding research by young scientists, applied or fundamental, in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, medicine and physics. 

On the occasion, he handed over the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's younger daughter. 
 

"It is a matter of pride for Indians that we got the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Gandhi Peace Prize. I also salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who stood with the brothers and sisters of Bangladesh in the 'Muktijuddho'. I am happy to see them present at this event today," he added.
 

Speaking about the 2015 land boundary agreement between the two countries, he said "Those who questioned Bangladesh's existence, Bangladesh proved them wrong. We have shown that mutual trust and cooperation can lead to every solution. Our land boundary agreement is also a witness to the same. I wish we both progress at a greater speed."

Remembering former Indian Prime Minister Late Indira Gandhi's efforts, he said, "Indira Gandhiji's efforts are known to all. Atalji also said that we are not just fighting with people who are laying down their lives in the Liberation War, but we are also trying to give a new direction to history."
 

The prime minister said that he along with his friends had participated in the satyagraha for freedom of Bangladesh during his young days. 
 

"One of the first movements of my life to join the struggle for the independence of Bangladesh. I and my partners had done a satyagraha in support of the freedom of Bangladesh and were even sent into jail. The atrocities forced by the Pakistan Army disturbed all of us internally and moved us," he added.
 

Commending him for being a part of the National Day celebrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said India is one of Dhaka's best development partners.

"Government of India was beside us during our good and bad times. This time India hands over 109 ambulances for the people of Bangladesh. I extend my heartiest thanks to PM Modi, his government and the people of India. Before that India had cooperated with us and gifted us Covid-19 vaccines," she said. 
 

"After killing Bangabandhu, the people who grabbed power had tried to wipe out his name from the minds of the people. We can only say that without a principle, without history, a nation can't progress," PM Hasina said. 
 

She added that she remembers with great anguish August 15, 1975 -- a dark night for Bangladesh when the Father of Nation was assassinated.
 

"My mother, three brothers, two sisters-in-law and uncle were brutally killed," the Bangladeshi PM added.

Remembering the 1971 Liberation War and atrocities carried out by Pakistan, she said, "India sheltered about 10 million people who fled from Bangladesh in the face of persecution by Pakistani soldiers, in the face of killing, genocide and rape. India gave them shelter, food and medication. They helped our freedom fighters with all types of cooperation."
 

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first visit to any foreign country since the global Covid pandemic broke out in 2019.