An unbreakable bond forged with blood, sacrifice in 1971: Kovind

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind today said they will remain closely connected with their Bangladeshi friends to jointly achieve development and prosperity, and to meet the aspirations of the people of the two countries.

"India values your extraordinary goodwill and friendship and I'm confident that the bond forged by blood and sacrifice in 1971 will continue to bind our nations together in future," he said.

Kovind made the remarks while addressing a reception accorded to the Indian community and friends of India before wrapping up his three-day "historic" state visit to Bangladesh.

President Kovind, who was deeply touched by the warmth and affection of the people of Bangladesh, said Bangladesh has a special place in the hearts of Indians.

"Ours is a uniquely close relationship based on age-old ties of kinship, shared language and culture. Our ties have been nurtured by the sagacious leadership of the two countries," he added.

While paying homage to Bangabandhu at his home in 32 Dhanmondi, President Kovind said he was reminded of the declaration of independence that Bangabandhu had issued in Dhaka on 26 March 1971, the atrocities and genocide faced by the people of Bangladesh and the armed struggle of the Mukti Bahini against the brutal Pakistani occupation forces.

"Today, as your country becomes a model of growth and development in the region, it has proven to the world that the fight of the people of Bangladesh was for a just cause. This fight was for fundamental democratic rights and that the emergence of Bangladesh was indeed the power of right defeating the power of might," he said.

Just before attending the reception, President Kovind visited the historic Ramna Kaali temple where he had the privilege of inaugurating the renovated temple.UNB.