India to continue support for peaceful, progressive Bangladesh: Verma

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma on Saturday said India will continue to support a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh.

He made the remarks while speaking at an iftar hosted by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka in honour of political leaders, diplomats, journalists, religious leaders and distinguished personalities from different professions.

The event was held at the Grand Ballroom of InterContinental Dhaka.

Ministers, political leaders from both from the ruling party and opposition leaders, editors, civil society members and celebrities were present at the event.

Speaking at the gathering, Verma said the holy month of Ramadan is a special time for reflection, gratitude and compassion.

“Iftar is a moment to express gratitude, remember those around us and reflect on the well-being of humanity as a whole,” he said, adding that the sacred month reminds people of enduring values shared across faiths and cultures, including compassion, empathy, generosity and kindness.

“Your esteemed presence at this Iftar gathering today, is a meaningful reaffirmation of our shared commitment to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” said the High Commissioner.

Highlighting bilateral ties, the High Commissioner said India and Bangladesh share deep societal and familial bonds that make their relationship truly people-centric.

He also recalled the shared sacrifices during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, saying the memory continues to unite the peoples of the two countries.

“Today, as two vibrant and forward-looking societies, we stand at the threshold of a promising future - the one in which we can work together, to bring shared prosperity, not only to our two countries, but also to the wider region,” he said.

He also extended his warm wishes to all those observing Ramadan, hoping the holy month would bring peace, prosperity and happiness to people across Bangladesh.

Deputy High Commissioner of India Pawan Badhe and diplomats from different countries were present at the programme.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mirza Abbas, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, Jatiya Sangsad Whip Asadul Habib Dulu, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Advocate Fazlur Rahman, MP, BNP Joint Secretary General Moazzem Hossain Alal, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and its Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary attended the iftar gathering.

Among the media personalities present were Daily Sun Editor Md Rezaul Karim, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Daily Jugantor Editor Abdul Hye Sikder, Khaborer Kagoj Editor Mostafa Kamal, News24 Head of News Shariful Islam Khan, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and its General Secretary Imrul Kayes.

Actresses Jaya Ahsan and Meher Afroz Shaon were also present, among other artists.