PM Modi visits Bangladesh in 1st foreign tour since 2019: What makes event significant?

A year after Janta Curfew, which signified onset of COVID-19 and one of first major steps taken by Government against pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sets off on his first foreign visit. leader is visiting Bangladesh on March 26-27 to bask in milestone golden jubilee National Day celebrations of neighbouring country. PM Modi asserted his commitment to partnership with Bangladesh and support to nation, hailing ‘dynamic leadership’ of PM Sheikh Hasina.

Significance of PM Modi’s visit to Bangladesh 

March 26 is a landmark day in history of Bangladesh, that marks country's independence from Pakistan. It was on this day that n East Pakistan had declared its secession from Pakistan. 

Indian Armed Forces n played a huge role in liberation of Bangladesh by triumphing in war against Pakistan from December 3-16 that year, forcing Pakistan military into Instrument of Surrender. bravery of Indian troops is houred as Vijay Diwas on December 16.   

AP

Bangladesh is also marking 'Mujib Borsho', centenary birth anniversary of Bangladesh’s ‘Far of Nation’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Throwing light on both events, PM mentioned in his statement ahead of his visit, "I look forward to participation in national day celebration, tomorrow, which will also commemorate birth centenary of Far of Nation of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."

Addressing iconic leader as 'Bangabandhu', PM Modi shared his plans on paying his respects, "I look forward to visiting Bangabandhu's Samadhi in Tungipara to pay my respects to his memory."

India and Bangladesh are expected to sign numerous pacts during two-day visit. As PM Modi informed of 'substantive discussions' with his counterpart, MoUs are likely in disaster manment and or areas that will boost ir cooperation and its institutions. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen stated that five such agreements could take place.

Prime Minister had last visited Bangladesh in 2015 and his scheduled visit for Mujib Borsho in March 2020 did t materialise as event was rescheduled due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, y participated in two virtual summits, one in December 2020 and or earlier this month. Both meetings stressed on ir co-operation and focus on connectivity, re-opening  Haldibari-Chilahati rail network linking rth West Bengal and rth Bangladesh in December and inauguration of  Maitri bridge, from Sabroom in Tripura to Ramgarh in Bangladesh.

PM Modi’s schedule during Bangladesh visit

PM Modi, who leaves for his first trip in last two years since BRICS Summit in Brazil in vember 2019, has numerous events and meetings lined up during his visit. 

PM Modi is expected to arrive at Dhaka at 10 AM on Friday. His first destination is National Martyrs Memorial, to hour heroes of Liberation War.

leader will n attend National Day Programme. He is scheduled to meet Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen. Prime Minister will also launch Bapu Bangabandhu Digital Video Exhibition with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who is daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

However, highlight is going to be PM's appearance as chief guest at National Day celebrations. PM Modi's speech at National Parade Ground is expected to be a highlight of milestone event. He is also expected to attend a banquet hosted by his counterpart.

A meeting with President Md Abdul Hamid is among highlights on day 2 of visit.

PM Modi's rare venture outside Dhaka will also stand out as he is scheduled to offer prayers to Goddess Kali at ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of 51 Shaktipeeths in Puranic tradition. 

Prime Minister also stated he is looking forward to his interaction with representatives of Matua community at Orakandi, kwn to be sacred to community of West Bengal, where elections are kicking off. 

Marking 50 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between two countries, PM Modi had words of praise for nation and PM Hasina.  

"My visit will t only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh's remarkable ecomic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visionary leadership, but also to commit India's abiding support for se achievements," he said.

PM Modi informed that he will also express India's support and solidarity with Bangladesh on ir fight against COVID-19.

(With PTI inputs)