Delhi to observe Maitri Diwas today

All is set for observing ‘Maitri Diwas’ or Friendship Day in New Delhi today to commemorate India’s recognition to Bangladesh as an independent state and the 50th anniversary of establishment of Bangladesh-India diplomatic ties.

The Indian Council of World Affairs, a subsidiary organisation of Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.

Marking the day, the ICWA will organise a discussion in New Delhi tdayin which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will deliver a recorded speech highlighting the significance of the day and India’s role in Bangladesh’s Great War of Liberation in 1971, official sources told BSS.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, State Minister for Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh KM Khalid, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran and ICWA Director General Ambassador Vijay Thakur Singh will spoke on the occasion.

Later, a panel discussion will be held with former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Rajeet Mitter in the chair.

Former Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu, MP, Sabyasachi Dutta, executive director of Asian Confluence and Dipanjan Roy Chowdhury, diplomatic affairs editor of Economic Times, will be the panel discussants.

Apart from Dhaka and New Delhi, the day would be commemorated in 18 countries around the world. Thse are - Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE and the USA.

“The holding of ‘Maitri Diwas’ (Friendship day) is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices,” Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said here recently.

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi will organise a reception for 1971 war veterans and cultural programmes to commemorate ‘Maitri Diwas’- Friendship Day today at Kamani auditorium.