India-Bangladesh cooperation transcends mere transactions: Indian High Commissioner

Today, India and Bangladesh are partners in development and the cooperation transcends mere transactions – it is built on trust and mutual respect, said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das.

She made the statement at a webinar on the topic, "Remembering Mahatma Gandhi," organised by the High Commission of India, Dhaka to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, read a press release on Thursday.

Riva Ganguly Das paid tribute to both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the event.

She said India looks forward to the joint commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation War and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.

She also said Gandhi Ashrams – in Noakhali, Jamalpur, Atrai, and Dohar – are the torch bearers of Gandhian principles in Bangladesh.

The Indian high commissioner further said she was pleased to speak with participants from all Gandhi Ashrams in Bangladesh on a common platform.

She urged them to work together to preserve this shared history of India and Bangladesh and to build on this cherished bond of friendship.

The seminar was attended by: Member of Parliament HM Ibrahim; President of Gandhi Ashram Trust, Bangladesh, Swadesh Roy; Chairman of Mahatma Gandhi Smarak Sadan, Syed Abul Maksud; Naba Kumar Raha, director of Gandhi Ashram Trust, Noakhali; Professor Aminul Islam, Gandhi Ashram, Atrai, Naogaon; Hilol Sarkar, Gandhi Ashram, Jamalpur; and Fazlul Haq of Gandhi Ashram, Dohar.

At the event HM Ibrahim MP recollected how Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was inspired by the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Swadesh Roy highlighted that the Gandhian model of development based on rural development is especially important today, amidst a global pandemic.

Syed Abul Maksud said it is extremely important that the young generation know and understand the Gandhian ideology.

Naba Kumar Raha described the various activities conducted by Gandhi Ashram, Noakhali for the support of the weaker sections of society.

Hilol Sarkar recollected how Nasiruddin Sarkar was inspired by Gandhian values to begin a Gandhi Ashram in Jamalpur in the 1930s. The ashram continues to support the people by providing vocational training, etc.

Professor Aminul Islam recounted Gandhi Ashram, Atrai's connection to Mahatma Gandhi and paid tribute to him.

October 2, 2020 would mark the finale of the two-year long commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.