In the manicured lawns of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, diplomacy took a tangy, crispy turn on 26 March as Bangladesh celebrated its 56th Independence and National Day. Amid formal speeches and ceremonial cake-cutting, it was the humble Fuchka, Bangladesh’s fiery cousin of India’s Golgappa or Pani puri, that stole the show as Fuchka or Golgappa Diplomacy.&nbsp;Senior Indian officials, including Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, joined Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for the reception. The event signalled a reset in bilateral ties with a new government in Bangladesh under PM Tarique Rahman, and both Delhi &amp; Dhaka sent a positive signal in ties.&nbsp;Both sides emphasised shared history, particularly India’s role in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, and a mutual desire to deepen cooperation under Dhaka’s new government.&nbsp;Yet the standout moment was culinary. A prominent banner captured the light-hearted spirit: “फूचका में बसा हमारा दिल, टाका का प्यार दिल्ली के नाम” roughly translating to “Our hearts are filled with fuchka, Dhaka’s affection is in Delhi’s name.” Guests queued for the street-food staple: crisp semolina shells filled with spiced chickpeas and potatoes, dunked in pungent tamarind water laced with green chillies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-holds-talks-with-saudi-crown-prince-stresses-freedom-of-navigation-amid-west-asia-war-1774705117707">PM Modi holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince, stresses freedom of navigation amid West Asia war</a>&nbsp;Diplomats and dignitaries alike rolled up their sleeves, balancing the delicate puris with practised precision before the explosive burst of flavours. MoS Singh, FS Misri &amp; High Commissioner Hamidullah were seen together at the Golgappa stall.&nbsp;In Bangladesh, Fuchka is a beloved evening snack; in India, Golgappa is a chaat icon. Serving it prominently at the high commission was a subtle nod to shared Bengali heritage and everyday connections that transcend official protocols. High Commissioner Hamidullah thanked India for its historical support, while Kirti Vardhan Singh reiterated New Delhi’s eagerness to work closely with Dhaka on trade, connectivity, and regional stability. The presence of such senior MEA figures , unusual for a standard national day reception , underscored India’s interest in stabilising relations further.

Both sides emphasised shared history, particularly India’s role in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, and a mutual desire to deepen cooperation under Dhaka’s new government.

In the manicured lawns of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, diplomacy took a tangy, crispy turn on 26 March as Bangladesh celebrated its 56th Independence and National Day. Amid formal speeches and ceremonial cake-cutting, it was the humble Fuchka, Bangladesh’s fiery cousin of India’s Golgappa or Pani puri, that stole the show as Fuchka or Golgappa Diplomacy. Senior Indian officials, including Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, joined Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for the reception. The event signalled a reset in bilateral ties with a new government in Bangladesh under PM Tarique Rahman, and both Delhi & Dhaka sent a positive signal in ties. Both sides emphasised shared history, particularly India’s role in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, and a mutual desire to deepen cooperation under Dhaka’s new government. Yet the standout moment was culinary. A prominent banner captured the light-hearted spirit: “फूचका में बसा हमारा दिल, टाका का प्यार दिल्ली के नाम” roughly translating to “Our hearts are filled with fuchka, Dhaka’s affection is in Delhi’s name.” Guests queued for the street-food staple: crisp semolina shells filled with spiced chickpeas and potatoes, dunked in pungent tamarind water laced with green chillies. Also Read: PM Modi holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince, stresses freedom of navigation amid West Asia war Diplomats and dignitaries alike rolled up their sleeves, balancing the delicate puris with practised precision before the explosive burst of flavours. MoS Singh, FS Misri & High Commissioner Hamidullah were seen together at the Golgappa stall. In Bangladesh, Fuchka is a beloved evening snack; in India, Golgappa is a chaat icon. Serving it prominently at the high commission was a subtle nod to shared Bengali heritage and everyday connections that transcend official protocols. High Commissioner Hamidullah thanked India for its historical support, while Kirti Vardhan Singh reiterated New Delhi’s eagerness to work closely with Dhaka on trade, connectivity, and regional stability. The presence of such senior MEA figures , unusual for a standard national day reception , underscored India’s interest in stabilising relations further.

Both sides emphasised shared history, particularly India’s role in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, and a mutual desire to deepen cooperation under Dhaka’s new government.

Golgappa diplomacy at Bangladesh National day celebrations in Delhi

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, has outlined a vision of renewed partnership between the two neighbours, as Bangladesh marked 56 years of independence at a ceremony in New Delhi attended by the Indian govt minister, senior Indian officials and members of Delhi's diplomatic community. Both sides used the occasion to signal a constructive shift in ties, with warm words exchanged and a string of high-level engagements cited as evidence of momentum.Quoting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's personal message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, High Commissioner Hamidullah said Bangladesh saw the relationship as one "shaped by history, culture, and geography," adding that "our two people share considerable commonality and enjoy deep-rooted ties."He described the bilateral vision as one premised on "dignity, equality, mutual trust and respect, and shared benefits". On trade, the High Commissioner put comprehensive bilateral economic transactions at between 28 and 30 billion dollars, calling the figures a foundation to build on.The 1971 liberation war, in which India stood decisively alongside Bangladesh, provided the emotional bedrock of the occasion. Mr Hamidullah paid tribute to the 1,668 Indian soldiers who gave their lives on Bangladeshi soil, and to the ordinary Indians across West Bengal, Tripura and the North-East who " stood by us - emotionally, physically, materially".Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-s-putin-warns-iran-war-fallout-could-mirror-covid-shock-to-global-economy-1774545635582">Russia’s Putin warns Iran war fallout could mirror Covid shock to global economy</a>"Bangladesh and India share a unique and multidimensional relationship," he said, moving through a roll call of shared cultural giants, from Tagore to Nazrul, Satyajit Roy to Ritwik Ghatak, Ravi Shankar to Ustad Allauddin Khan. India was represented at the ceremony by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who said New Delhi "warmly welcomes the new Government of Bangladesh" and looked forward to "working closely with the new administration to further deepen our multifaceted partnership."He noted that Prime Minister Modi was among the first world leaders to contact Prime Minister Rahman following Bangladesh's 12 February elections, in which 76 million voters took part in what Hamidullah described as "a participatory and exceptionally peaceful transition to democracy." India had also sent Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Dhaka for the new cabinet's swearing-in in February. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar travelled to Dhaka for the funeral of Khaleda Zia. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage in Delhi.&nbsp;In a reflective moment, the Bangladesh high commissioner paid tribute to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who had promised to perform both national anthems at the event before his recent passing. Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri was also present on the occasion.

Bangladesh marked its independence in New Delhi, with High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah highlighting stronger India ties, shared history, expanding trade, and renewed cooperation under leaders Narendra Modi and Tarique Rahman.

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, has outlined a vision of renewed partnership between the two neighbours, as Bangladesh marked 56 years of independence at a ceremony in New Delhi attended by the Indian govt minister, senior Indian officials and members of Delhi's diplomatic community. Both sides used the occasion to signal a constructive shift in ties, with warm words exchanged and a string of high-level engagements cited as evidence of momentum. Quoting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's personal message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, High Commissioner Hamidullah said Bangladesh saw the relationship as one "shaped by history, culture, and geography," adding that "our two people share considerable commonality and enjoy deep-rooted ties." He described the bilateral vision as one premised on "dignity, equality, mutual trust and respect, and shared benefits". On trade, the High Commissioner put comprehensive bilateral economic transactions at between 28 and 30 billion dollars, calling the figures a foundation to build on. The 1971 liberation war, in which India stood decisively alongside Bangladesh, provided the emotional bedrock of the occasion. Mr Hamidullah paid tribute to the 1,668 Indian soldiers who gave their lives on Bangladeshi soil, and to the ordinary Indians across West Bengal, Tripura and the North-East who " stood by us - emotionally, physically, materially". Also read: Russia’s Putin warns Iran war fallout could mirror Covid shock to global economy "Bangladesh and India share a unique and multidimensional relationship," he said, moving through a roll call of shared cultural giants, from Tagore to Nazrul, Satyajit Roy to Ritwik Ghatak, Ravi Shankar to Ustad Allauddin Khan. India was represented at the ceremony by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who said New Delhi "warmly welcomes the new Government of Bangladesh" and looked forward to "working closely with the new administration to further deepen our multifaceted partnership." He noted that Prime Minister Modi was among the first world leaders to contact Prime Minister Rahman following Bangladesh's 12 February elections, in which 76 million voters took part in what Hamidullah described as "a participatory and exceptionally peaceful transition to democracy." India had also sent Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Dhaka for the new cabinet's swearing-in in February. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar travelled to Dhaka for the funeral of Khaleda Zia. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage in Delhi. In a reflective moment, the Bangladesh high commissioner paid tribute to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who had promised to perform both national anthems at the event before his recent passing. Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri was also present on the occasion.

Bangladesh marked its independence in New Delhi, with High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah highlighting stronger India ties, shared history, expanding trade, and renewed cooperation under leaders Narendra Modi and Tarique Rahman. &nbsp;

Bangladesh, India signal fresh chapter as Dhaka celebrates 56 years of independence

These last 50 years have not been easy for Bangladesh. The nation was born out of war. It was suppressed under military rule, but none of it could diminish the flame of democracy.

As Bangladesh marks five decades of nationhood, we have prepared a report card and at the outset, we can say it's an impressive one.

In 1991, military rule ended and democracy returned. There was a brief hiccup in 2006 when a caretaker government took control. It was later supported by the military and everyone thought if it would go Pakistan's way, but it didn't.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-happened-on-day-1-of-pm-modis-historic-visit-to-bangladesh-373516" hreflang="en">What happened on Day 1 of PM Modi's historic visit to Bangladesh</a>

Two years later, the caretaker government held elections and democracy was back. Two more general elections followed.

The army continues to be powerful, but they operate as allies of the government. There isn't fear that a military coup is just around the corner, and that's crucial for Bangladesh because another military takeover could reverse the gains of the last three decades.

Talking about religion, the separation of state and religion is the hallmark of modern nation-states. Bangladesh's constitution designates Islam as the state religion. At the same time, it guarantees secularism and freedom of religion.

While there are reports of attacks on minorities and of Hindu temples being vandalised, the government has been quick to set the record straight.

In May 2018, Sheikh Hasina said secularism is the way forward for Bangladesh. In 2020, she vowed to crack down on anarchy in the name of religion. So, the Prime Minister is saying all the right things.

Muslims make up 90 per cent of Bangladesh's population. The country does have a stake in global Islam but it does not define itself by that. Dhaka maintains close ties with most Islamic nations, but it stays away from the power politics of the Islamic world. Its leaders don't want to be caliphs or sultans but they've done more for Muslims than countries with such ambitions.

When 700,000 Rohingya Muslims were purged from Myanmar, it was Bangladesh that came to their rescue and not the so-called leaders of the Muslim world. The Cox's Bazar refugee camp is run by the Bangladesh government. It is the largest refugee camp in the world, almost 600,000 people live there.

Watch |

All of this while Bangladesh has its own issues and its own citizens to feed. On the other hand, A self-sufficient superpower such as the US — with an economy that is 175 times bigger — is turning migrants back at its southern border.

Bangladesh's biggest achievement is its economy. It is classified as a developing economy — the 30th biggest in the world — and it is unexplored territory for producers. The Bangladeshi consumers are taking baby steps into the middle class. So, in a couple of years, it could be the toast of foreign brands.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has become the world's boutique. Its garment industry has exploded in the last two decades as it now contributes 20 per cent to the country's GDP and makes up 80 per cent of total exports. The target was to hit 50 billion dollars in exports by 2021. However, the pandemic hit the industry.

Bangladesh is the second-largest garment exporter after China. All big western brands source their clothes from here. But there is a downside to this as sometimes factories are in reality just sweat shops where working conditions can be appalling and child labour is common. It's something the government will have to work on going forward.

Garments, however, are not Bangladesh's biggest export. It's an economic idea: micro-finance. It is a banking service that targets small businesses and low-income individuals — people who won't get a loan from the big banks.

Since the 1970s, micro-finance has grown in Bangladesh and has lifted 2.5 million people out of poverty. Today, it covers 32 million members and gives out 7.2 billion dollars annually. Leading this campaign is the Grameen Bank which has more than nine million borrowers, of which 97 per cent of them are women.

Micro-finance in Bangladesh is a success story — one that many countries have been inspired by. In five decades, Bangladesh has been through more than most countries in the world — war, military dictatorship, the migrant crisis and now a pandemic. However, it has always emerged stronger from each of these crises.

These last 50 years have not been easy for Bangladesh. The nation was born out of war. It was suppressed under military rule, but none of it could diminish the flame of democracy.

These last 50 years have not been easy for Bangladesh. The nation was born out of war. It was suppressed under military rule, but none of it could diminish the flame of democracy. As Bangladesh marks five decades of nationhood, we have prepared a report card and at the outset, we can say it's an impressive one. In 1991, military rule ended and democracy returned. There was a brief hiccup in 2006 when a caretaker government took control. It was later supported by the military and everyone thought if it would go Pakistan's way, but it didn't. Have a look| What happened on Day 1 of PM Modi's historic visit to Bangladesh Two years later, the caretaker government held elections and democracy was back. Two more general elections followed. The army continues to be powerful, but they operate as allies of the government. There isn't fear that a military coup is just around the corner, and that's crucial for Bangladesh because another military takeover could reverse the gains of the last three decades. Talking about religion, the separation of state and religion is the hallmark of modern nation-states. Bangladesh's constitution designates Islam as the state religion. At the same time, it guarantees secularism and freedom of religion. While there are reports of attacks on minorities and of Hindu temples being vandalised, the government has been quick to set the record straight. In May 2018, Sheikh Hasina said secularism is the way forward for Bangladesh. In 2020, she vowed to crack down on anarchy in the name of religion. So, the Prime Minister is saying all the right things. Muslims make up 90 per cent of Bangladesh's population. The country does have a stake in global Islam but it does not define itself by that. Dhaka maintains close ties with most Islamic nations, but it stays away from the power politics of the Islamic world. Its leaders don't want to be caliphs or sultans but they've done more for Muslims than countries with such ambitions. When 700,000 Rohingya Muslims were purged from Myanmar, it was Bangladesh that came to their rescue and not the so-called leaders of the Muslim world. The Cox's Bazar refugee camp is run by the Bangladesh government. It is the largest refugee camp in the world, almost 600,000 people live there. Watch | All of this while Bangladesh has its own issues and its own citizens to feed. On the other hand, A self-sufficient superpower such as the US — with an economy that is 175 times bigger — is turning migrants back at its southern border. Bangladesh's biggest achievement is its economy. It is classified as a developing economy — the 30th biggest in the world — and it is unexplored territory for producers. The Bangladeshi consumers are taking baby steps into the middle class. So, in a couple of years, it could be the toast of foreign brands. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has become the world's boutique. Its garment industry has exploded in the last two decades as it now contributes 20 per cent to the country's GDP and makes up 80 per cent of total exports. The target was to hit 50 billion dollars in exports by 2021. However, the pandemic hit the industry. Bangladesh is the second-largest garment exporter after China. All big western brands source their clothes from here. But there is a downside to this as sometimes factories are in reality just sweat shops where working conditions can be appalling and child labour is common. It's something the government will have to work on going forward. Garments, however, are not Bangladesh's biggest export. It's an economic idea: micro-finance. It is a banking service that targets small businesses and low-income individuals — people who won't get a loan from the big banks. Since the 1970s, micro-finance has grown in Bangladesh and has lifted 2.5 million people out of poverty. Today, it covers 32 million members and gives out 7.2 billion dollars annually. Leading this campaign is the Grameen Bank which has more than nine million borrowers, of which 97 per cent of them are women. Micro-finance in Bangladesh is a success story — one that many countries have been inspired by. In five decades, Bangladesh has been through more than most countries in the world — war, military dictatorship, the migrant crisis and now a pandemic. However, it has always emerged stronger from each of these crises.

Bangladesh's report card of 50 years is here, and it is glorious

The Asian age is upon us. Europe had its time at the helm, so did America but the 21st century is supposed to be Asia's and the Delhi-Dhaka dynamic will be crucial to the Asian age.

Both countries are entering the new decade with momentum, but here is a new challenge emerging from the North: China.

Beijing is sinking its claws into South Asia and Bangladesh is the next target.

In 2016, Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh for the first time. He pledged $20 billion for the Belt and Road Initiative — China's gift-wrapped debt diplomacy package.

For Bangladesh, the BRI is a compulsion because as a developing country, it needs the infrastructure and China is willing to pay. However, for India, this is a strategic threat.

Bangladesh is a key ally and China is a powerful rival, and proximity between the two is worrying.

So how does India navigate this?

First priority is to resolve outstanding issues — issues where China is not a stake-holder like the Teesta water-sharing agreement. On Wednesday, India's foreign secretary said the agreement would be concluded as early as possible.

Water and border are the key contentions and to solve them, India will have to unleash proactive diplomacy.

The signals coming from Bangladesh are encouraging. The government's foreign policy advisor recently called India the most important partner.&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh share two key things — history and geography — and China has neither in common with Dhaka and this could be its downfall.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-china-derail-india-bangladesh-ties-373525">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-china-derail-india-bangladesh-ties-373525/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, in our world money speaks. China is building roads and bridges faster than India can sign agreements. So, New Delhi will have to whip out its cheque book too. The vaccine diplomacy was a nice touch — a humanitarian cause with strategic implications.

Bangladesh has also become an attractive prospect in the Islamic world. Last year, when Dhaka had a diplomatic standoff with Saudi Arabia, Turkey tried to take advantage. With more than 150 million Muslims, Bangladesh's support will be key in islamic power play. However, so far the country has refused to take the bait.

These are all external factors, but there are elements within Bangladesh that could derail relations. Today, there were protests in a town near Chittagong against India's Prime Minsiter's visit to Dhaka. The demonstration turned ugly and the police had to open fire. Four people were killed and at least 40 injured. The situation is escalating and internet access has been restricted in some parts.

The group behind this protest was Hefazat-e-Islam which is a radical Islamist group. One of their major demands is strict blasphemy laws. They have organised mass protests before and almost all of them have ended with casualties. The group is emblematic of rising radicalism in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's government is keen on closer ties with India but groups like these want to sabotage the prospering relationship and embarass both Delhi and Dhaka. These protests are at best a distraction — an unfortunate and dangerous one.

The leaders and policy makers must focus on the big picture. This decade will shape South Asian politics for many years. The question of whether or not China will be able to tempt Bangladesh and create differences between India and Dhaka can only be answered with time. However, the important thing to remember here is a statement from India's former Prime Minsiter, Atal Bihari Vajpayee who rightly said, "Friends can be changed, but not neighbours". &nbsp;That's the power of geography and of shared history.

The Asian age is upon us. Europe had its time at the helm, so did America but the 21st century is supposed to be Asia's and the Delhi-Dhaka dynamic will be crucial to the Asian age.

The Asian age is upon us. Europe had its time at the helm, so did America but the 21st century is supposed to be Asia's and the Delhi-Dhaka dynamic will be crucial to the Asian age. Both countries are entering the new decade with momentum, but here is a new challenge emerging from the North: China. Beijing is sinking its claws into South Asia and Bangladesh is the next target. In 2016, Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh for the first time. He pledged $20 billion for the Belt and Road Initiative — China's gift-wrapped debt diplomacy package. For Bangladesh, the BRI is a compulsion because as a developing country, it needs the infrastructure and China is willing to pay. However, for India, this is a strategic threat. Bangladesh is a key ally and China is a powerful rival, and proximity between the two is worrying. So how does India navigate this? First priority is to resolve outstanding issues — issues where China is not a stake-holder like the Teesta water-sharing agreement. On Wednesday, India's foreign secretary said the agreement would be concluded as early as possible. Water and border are the key contentions and to solve them, India will have to unleash proactive diplomacy. The signals coming from Bangladesh are encouraging. The government's foreign policy advisor recently called India the most important partner. India and Bangladesh share two key things — history and geography — and China has neither in common with Dhaka and this could be its downfall. Watch | However, in our world money speaks. China is building roads and bridges faster than India can sign agreements. So, New Delhi will have to whip out its cheque book too. The vaccine diplomacy was a nice touch — a humanitarian cause with strategic implications. Bangladesh has also become an attractive prospect in the Islamic world. Last year, when Dhaka had a diplomatic standoff with Saudi Arabia, Turkey tried to take advantage. With more than 150 million Muslims, Bangladesh's support will be key in islamic power play. However, so far the country has refused to take the bait. These are all external factors, but there are elements within Bangladesh that could derail relations. Today, there were protests in a town near Chittagong against India's Prime Minsiter's visit to Dhaka. The demonstration turned ugly and the police had to open fire. Four people were killed and at least 40 injured. The situation is escalating and internet access has been restricted in some parts. The group behind this protest was Hefazat-e-Islam which is a radical Islamist group. One of their major demands is strict blasphemy laws. They have organised mass protests before and almost all of them have ended with casualties. The group is emblematic of rising radicalism in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's government is keen on closer ties with India but groups like these want to sabotage the prospering relationship and embarass both Delhi and Dhaka. These protests are at best a distraction — an unfortunate and dangerous one. The leaders and policy makers must focus on the big picture. This decade will shape South Asian politics for many years. The question of whether or not China will be able to tempt Bangladesh and create differences between India and Dhaka can only be answered with time. However, the important thing to remember here is a statement from India's former Prime Minsiter, Atal Bihari Vajpayee who rightly said, "Friends can be changed, but not neighbours". That's the power of geography and of shared history.

In rising Asian age, will China be able to ruin India-Bangladesh friendship?

Bangladesh: South Asia's premier travel destination

February 21 is celebrated the world over as International Mother Language Day. Chosen by UNESCO in 1999 as the day to honour mother tongues and linguistics across the world, February 21 is a historic day for Bangladesh, with a story stained in blood.

It is the story of how a mother tongue became the rallying point for an independence movement, for the first time in human history.

August 1947 saw India getting its freedom from the British and the birth of the Muslim majority nation Pakistan. The newly christened region, however, was divided into West Pakistan, which had predominantly Urdu and Punjabi-speaking people, while East Pakistan comprised of people who spoke Bangla. The regions were around 1600 km away, separated by Indian territory, yet were under the same government, headquartered in East Pakistan.

Urdu and Bangla are completely different languages, with different scripts. 
At the time of Partition, the population of West Pakistan was approximately 25 million, while East Bengal (aka East Pakistan) had around 44 million people.

At an education summit held in Karachi in 1947, the West Pakistani-dominated government made Urdu the official language all over the country. This would entail all government communications to have the Urdu language as the mode of communication and it was made mandatory to be taught in schools.

Bangla - the common language in one part of Pakistan- was removed from being an approved school subject, &nbsp;and was also taken off official currency and stamps.

The announcement was condemned in East Pakistan with several prominent leaders, politicians and student leaders opposing it vehemently over the next five years. The Bengali Language Movement emerged from the grassroots level to oppose cultural and linguistic discrimination and oppression.

Amid tensions, the Governor-General of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Dhaka and sought to squash the language movement. 
In his view, promoters of Bangla were trying to divide the Muslims in Pakistan. Describing the Bangla activists "enemies of Pakistan”, he insisted that “Urdu, only Urdu” would be the official state language.

West Pakistan's refusal to recognise the Bangla language led to the strengthening of the Bengali Language Movement. While the fight was primarily to assert Bangla as an official language of the region, the movement slowly became a broader agenda of cultural and ethnic assimilation and a fight for the right to identity and self-determination.

The movement gained momentum in 1952 after the Pakistani leadership reiterated that only Urdu would be used as the official language. 
The declaration caused an uproar in East Bengal. While the police banned gathering of the crowd, student activists called for a protest march on February 21 at Dhaka University.

Scores of people took the streets to protest and were met with a crackdown. Police fired tear gas to ward off students as many tried to break through the barricades. Some were arrested. These arrests sparked further protests, with demonstrators gathering at the East Bengal Legislative Assembly, seeking to have their voices heard by politicians.

During an attempt to storm into the legislature, several student protesters were shot and killed by police.&nbsp;

Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abul Barkat, Abdul Jabbar, Shafiur Rahman, Ahi Ullah, Abdul Awal, and an unnamed victim were declared martyrs of the movement.&nbsp;

They were honoured with the Shaheed Minar memorial in Dhaka. 
The deaths caused a further furore and led to demonstrations and widespread disorder across the capital over the next few days.

People from walks of life joined the students in protest and it led to several deaths — including of a 9-year-old boy — at the hands of the police.

The movement of 1952 continued to gain momentum over the years until the brutal Liberation War which gave rise to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

The movement caught international attention as it was perhaps the only one in history that strived for linguistic and cultural rights. In 1999, UNESCO decided to honour the movement and the martyrs and declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day.

February 21 is celebrated the world over as International Mother Language Day. Chosen by UNESCO in 1999 as the day to honour mother tongues and linguistics across the world, February 21 is a historic day for Bangladesh, with a story stained in blood.

February 21 is celebrated the world over as International Mother Language Day. Chosen by UNESCO in 1999 as the day to honour mother tongues and linguistics across the world, February 21 is a historic day for Bangladesh, with a story stained in blood. It is the story of how a mother tongue became the rallying point for an independence movement, for the first time in human history. August 1947 saw India getting its freedom from the British and the birth of the Muslim majority nation Pakistan. The newly christened region, however, was divided into West Pakistan, which had predominantly Urdu and Punjabi-speaking people, while East Pakistan comprised of people who spoke Bangla. The regions were around 1600 km away, separated by Indian territory, yet were under the same government, headquartered in East Pakistan. Urdu and Bangla are completely different languages, with different scripts. At the time of Partition, the population of West Pakistan was approximately 25 million, while East Bengal (aka East Pakistan) had around 44 million people. At an education summit held in Karachi in 1947, the West Pakistani-dominated government made Urdu the official language all over the country. This would entail all government communications to have the Urdu language as the mode of communication and it was made mandatory to be taught in schools. Bangla - the common language in one part of Pakistan- was removed from being an approved school subject, and was also taken off official currency and stamps. The announcement was condemned in East Pakistan with several prominent leaders, politicians and student leaders opposing it vehemently over the next five years. The Bengali Language Movement emerged from the grassroots level to oppose cultural and linguistic discrimination and oppression. Amid tensions, the Governor-General of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Dhaka and sought to squash the language movement. In his view, promoters of Bangla were trying to divide the Muslims in Pakistan. Describing the Bangla activists "enemies of Pakistan”, he insisted that “Urdu, only Urdu” would be the official state language. West Pakistan's refusal to recognise the Bangla language led to the strengthening of the Bengali Language Movement. While the fight was primarily to assert Bangla as an official language of the region, the movement slowly became a broader agenda of cultural and ethnic assimilation and a fight for the right to identity and self-determination. The movement gained momentum in 1952 after the Pakistani leadership reiterated that only Urdu would be used as the official language. The declaration caused an uproar in East Bengal. While the police banned gathering of the crowd, student activists called for a protest march on February 21 at Dhaka University. Scores of people took the streets to protest and were met with a crackdown. Police fired tear gas to ward off students as many tried to break through the barricades. Some were arrested. These arrests sparked further protests, with demonstrators gathering at the East Bengal Legislative Assembly, seeking to have their voices heard by politicians. During an attempt to storm into the legislature, several student protesters were shot and killed by police. Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abul Barkat, Abdul Jabbar, Shafiur Rahman, Ahi Ullah, Abdul Awal, and an unnamed victim were declared martyrs of the movement. They were honoured with the Shaheed Minar memorial in Dhaka. The deaths caused a further furore and led to demonstrations and widespread disorder across the capital over the next few days. People from walks of life joined the students in protest and it led to several deaths — including of a 9-year-old boy — at the hands of the police. The movement of 1952 continued to gain momentum over the years until the brutal Liberation War which gave rise to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. The movement caught international attention as it was perhaps the only one in history that strived for linguistic and cultural rights. In 1999, UNESCO decided to honour the movement and the martyrs and declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day.

Bangla: The language at the heart of Bangladesh independence movement

Bangladesh and India may be separated by borders but are united by culture, and Rabindranath Tagore.

As Bangladesh marks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bangladesh-independence-golden-jubilee">50 years of independence</a>, the two countries rejoice about the shared love and gratitude for the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/george-harrison-ravi-shankar-concert-for-bangladesh-where-history-was-made-in-music-372520" hreflang="en">George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music</a>

Bangladesh’s national anthem titled “Amar Shonar Bangla” was penned by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905. The melody of the song was adopted from Gagan Harkara’s song “Ami Kothay Pabo Tare”.

The Bard of Bengal is also the author of the Indian national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/readymade-in-bangladesh-a-future-proof-success-story-in-textiles-372290" hreflang="en">Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles</a>

“Amar Shonar Bangla” was written by Tagore in 1905 as an ode to Mother Bengal, immediately after Bengal’s first partition. Later, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, the first 10 lines of the song were adopted as the country’s national anthem in 1971.

'Jana Gana Mana', originally written as ''Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata'' in Bengali, was adopted as India’s national anthem on January 24, 1950.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sam-manekshaw-struggle-for-bangladesh-how-indian-army-destroyed-pak-in-1971-372246" hreflang="en">Sam Manekshaw &amp; struggle for Bangladesh: How Indian army destroyed Pak in 1971</a>

The two national anthems have unknowingly connected the people of two countries in several instances — the majority of them being cricket matches between the two countries. Be it World T20 in 2016 or the 2019 World Cup, the cricket fans of the two countries have rejoiced in the lyrics and melody of the two national anthems, composed by Tagore.

Bangladesh’s national anthem was written with the hope of rekindling the spirit of unity and love between the people divided by a politically-motivated border. The song aimed to invoke the public consciousness against the communal political divide and bring back the unified spirit of Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-liberation-war-the-story-of-indias-victory-pakistans-surrender-and-the-birth-of-a-new-nation-268445" hreflang="en">Bangladesh liberation war: The story of India's victory, Pakistan's surrender and the birth of a new Nation</a>

The song was first heard in the periodical musical journal Shongeet Biggnan Probeshika in September 1905 when Tagore’s niece, Indira Devi, hurriedly jotted down the musical notation of the song as Rabindranath Tagore hummed the anthem.

“Jana Gana Mann” and “Amar Shonar Bangla” have received equal love as Tagore’s blissful creations from the people on the two sides of the borders.

Bangladesh and India may be separated by borders but are united by culture, and Rabindranath Tagore. As Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence, the two countries rejoice about the shared love and gratitude for the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Bangladesh and India may be separated by borders but are united by culture, and Rabindranath Tagore. As Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence, the two countries rejoice about the shared love and gratitude for the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Also read | George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music Bangladesh’s national anthem titled “Amar Shonar Bangla” was penned by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905. The melody of the song was adopted from Gagan Harkara’s song “Ami Kothay Pabo Tare”. The Bard of Bengal is also the author of the Indian national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”. Also read | Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles “Amar Shonar Bangla” was written by Tagore in 1905 as an ode to Mother Bengal, immediately after Bengal’s first partition. Later, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, the first 10 lines of the song were adopted as the country’s national anthem in 1971. 'Jana Gana Mana', originally written as ''Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata'' in Bengali, was adopted as India’s national anthem on January 24, 1950. Also read | Sam Manekshaw & struggle for Bangladesh: How Indian army destroyed Pak in 1971 The two national anthems have unknowingly connected the people of two countries in several instances — the majority of them being cricket matches between the two countries. Be it World T20 in 2016 or the 2019 World Cup, the cricket fans of the two countries have rejoiced in the lyrics and melody of the two national anthems, composed by Tagore. Bangladesh’s national anthem was written with the hope of rekindling the spirit of unity and love between the people divided by a politically-motivated border. The song aimed to invoke the public consciousness against the communal political divide and bring back the unified spirit of Bengal. Also read | Bangladesh liberation war: The story of India's victory, Pakistan's surrender and the birth of a new Nation The song was first heard in the periodical musical journal Shongeet Biggnan Probeshika in September 1905 when Tagore’s niece, Indira Devi, hurriedly jotted down the musical notation of the song as Rabindranath Tagore hummed the anthem. “Jana Gana Mann” and “Amar Shonar Bangla” have received equal love as Tagore’s blissful creations from the people on the two sides of the borders.

Two national Anthems, one author: The India-Bangladesh Tagore connection

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary.

In a few days, India's&nbsp;prime minister Narendra Modi will be in the city for a two-day visit. Upon landing in Dhaka on Friday,&nbsp;he will be welcomed by the Bangladesh PM herself at the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport.&nbsp;

It will be followed by a visit to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar where Modi will pay tributes to those who made sacrifices for the liberation of Bangladesh 50 years ago. India is celebrating its own Swarnim Vijay Varsh to recall the 1971 war with Pakistan —&nbsp;one that lead to the creation of the modern state of Bangladesh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-interact-with-matua-community-372664" hreflang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with Matua Community</a>

PM Modi will be the chief guest at the country's 50th independence day celebration at the National Parade Ground and Bangabandhu International Conference on Friday.

This year is a significant year for the country as it not only celebrates 50 years of independence but also the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation — Mujib Borsho.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/george-harrison-ravi-shankar-concert-for-bangladesh-where-history-was-made-in-music-372520" hreflang="en">George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music</a>

The visit of the Indian PM will be historic, given that he will go beyond the capital to three other important places. His first stop will be the Jeshoreshwari temple in Ishwaripur, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and one of the shaktipiths of Hindu religion.

He will then move on to Tungipara to pay homage at Bangabandhu Mausoleum — the birthplace of the father of Bangladesh. Finally, he will visit a Thakurbari in Orakandi, which is the birthplace of the Harichand Thakur who formed the Matua sect. Matuas, migrated from Bangladesh to West Bengal and can decide influence polling in 70 assembly constituencies in the Indian state that goes to polls. The key demands of Matuas are citizenship and that is linked to CAA law, a key law passed under the ruling BJP government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sheikh-mujibur-rahman-one-of-the-greatest-leaders-of-subcontinent-says-pm-modi-372406" hreflang="en">Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of subcontinent says PM Modi</a>

Ties between the two countries have been on an upswing and undergoing what the two sides have been calling 'Shonar Adhya'&nbsp;(or golden phase).

Indian Prime Minister had last visited Dhaka in 2015. Since then, both sides have increased engagement in various ways. In December, the two countries organised&nbsp;a virtual summit, during which the key focus was connectivity with the opening of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link connecting Bangladesh with the Indian state of West Bengal.

Five out of pre-1965 six rail links have been revived. Bangladesh, in this region, has got the maximum number of India-made vaccines. Bangladesh has got 9,000,000&nbsp;doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines, 7,000,000 commercially and 2,000,000 as a gift.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/readymade-in-bangladesh-a-future-proof-success-story-in-textiles-372290" hreflang="en">Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles</a>

Ahead of the visit of the Indian Prime minister, EAM Jaishankar had visited the country to lay the ground for PM's&nbsp;visit.

PM Modi was initially expected to visit Dhaka last year in March, but the plan was scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first visit of PM Modi amid the pandemic and one that will be a packed one. PM Modi last traveled abroad in November 2019.&nbsp;

Bangladesh is abuzz with activity since last fortnight as the country celebrates its 50th Independence year. It saw the visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Bhutan's PM Lotay Tsering. The celebration will culminate with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 26 and 27.

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary.

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary. In a few days, India's prime minister Narendra Modi will be in the city for a two-day visit. Upon landing in Dhaka on Friday, he will be welcomed by the Bangladesh PM herself at the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport. It will be followed by a visit to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar where Modi will pay tributes to those who made sacrifices for the liberation of Bangladesh 50 years ago. India is celebrating its own Swarnim Vijay Varsh to recall the 1971 war with Pakistan — one that lead to the creation of the modern state of Bangladesh. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with Matua Community PM Modi will be the chief guest at the country's 50th independence day celebration at the National Parade Ground and Bangabandhu International Conference on Friday. This year is a significant year for the country as it not only celebrates 50 years of independence but also the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation — Mujib Borsho. Also read | George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music The visit of the Indian PM will be historic, given that he will go beyond the capital to three other important places. His first stop will be the Jeshoreshwari temple in Ishwaripur, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and one of the shaktipiths of Hindu religion. He will then move on to Tungipara to pay homage at Bangabandhu Mausoleum — the birthplace of the father of Bangladesh. Finally, he will visit a Thakurbari in Orakandi, which is the birthplace of the Harichand Thakur who formed the Matua sect. Matuas, migrated from Bangladesh to West Bengal and can decide influence polling in 70 assembly constituencies in the Indian state that goes to polls. The key demands of Matuas are citizenship and that is linked to CAA law, a key law passed under the ruling BJP government. Also read | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of subcontinent says PM Modi Ties between the two countries have been on an upswing and undergoing what the two sides have been calling 'Shonar Adhya' (or golden phase). Indian Prime Minister had last visited Dhaka in 2015. Since then, both sides have increased engagement in various ways. In December, the two countries organised a virtual summit, during which the key focus was connectivity with the opening of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link connecting Bangladesh with the Indian state of West Bengal. Five out of pre-1965 six rail links have been revived. Bangladesh, in this region, has got the maximum number of India-made vaccines. Bangladesh has got 9,000,000 doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines, 7,000,000 commercially and 2,000,000 as a gift. Also read | Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles Ahead of the visit of the Indian Prime minister, EAM Jaishankar had visited the country to lay the ground for PM's visit. PM Modi was initially expected to visit Dhaka last year in March, but the plan was scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first visit of PM Modi amid the pandemic and one that will be a packed one. PM Modi last traveled abroad in November 2019. Bangladesh is abuzz with activity since last fortnight as the country celebrates its 50th Independence year. It saw the visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Bhutan's PM Lotay Tsering. The celebration will culminate with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 26 and 27.

Dhaka abuzz with activity ahead of PM Modi's visit; focus on Matua community,  Shakti Peeth

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister <a href="http://wionnews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

Modi will also visit the mausoleum of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place, Shringla said.

Watch |&nbsp;

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It will be the Prime Minister's first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This visit will be of very special significance and will serve to highlight the celebration of our unique and special ties which reinforce our comprehensive strategic partnership with Bangladesh," Shringla said at a media briefing.

Asserting that Bangladesh is at the "intersection" of India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' polices, the foreign secretary said it was a "momentus time" in bilateral ties.

Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bangladesh-independence-golden-jubilee">50 years of the country's war of liberation</a>. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"As a reflection of growing cooperation, both sides will be signing a range of agreements during the prime minister's visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation," Shringla said.

He said some of the areas where agreements will be inked are disaster management, trade and oceanography.

There will be new announcements of cooperation in areas of culture, preservation of spirit of 1971, health railways, education, border development, power cooperation and start-ups, he added.

During his visit, Modi will call on President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid and will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society which will include the representatives of the country's ruling 14- party alliance, the opposition party, freedom fighters, community leaders and youth icons, Shringla said.

"Bangladesh is at the intersection of our Neighborhood First and Act East polices. Today it is our largest development partner, our largest trade partner in the region and is the location of our largest visa operation in the world," the foreign secretary said.

The Prime Minister will also attend Bangladesh's national day celebrations on March 26 and will deliver an address on the occasion at the parade ground in Dhaka, he added.

Modi is also scheduled to visit the 'National Martyrs' Memorial' located in Savar. The memorial was set up in honour of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971.

"Both Prime Ministers will also inaugurate the Bongobandhu-Bapu exhibition in Dhaka that will showcase the life and legacies of the two great leaders," said Shringla.

"Considering the significance of historic Mujib Borso, the Prime Minister will visit Bongobandhu mausoleum complex at Tungipara of Gopalganj district and he will be the first Indian dignitary to ever visit Tungipara which many of us known as family home of Rahman," he said.

Shringla said the prime minister will also visit heritage sites in Satkhira and Orakandi.

The two Prime Ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity.

During the summit, the two countries inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said. Modi will also visit the mausoleum of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place, Shringla said. Watch | It will be the Prime Minister's first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. "This visit will be of very special significance and will serve to highlight the celebration of our unique and special ties which reinforce our comprehensive strategic partnership with Bangladesh," Shringla said at a media briefing. Asserting that Bangladesh is at the "intersection" of India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' polices, the foreign secretary said it was a "momentus time" in bilateral ties. Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and 50 years of the country's war of liberation. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties. "As a reflection of growing cooperation, both sides will be signing a range of agreements during the prime minister's visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation," Shringla said. He said some of the areas where agreements will be inked are disaster management, trade and oceanography. There will be new announcements of cooperation in areas of culture, preservation of spirit of 1971, health railways, education, border development, power cooperation and start-ups, he added. During his visit, Modi will call on President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid and will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society which will include the representatives of the country's ruling 14- party alliance, the opposition party, freedom fighters, community leaders and youth icons, Shringla said. "Bangladesh is at the intersection of our Neighborhood First and Act East polices. Today it is our largest development partner, our largest trade partner in the region and is the location of our largest visa operation in the world," the foreign secretary said. The Prime Minister will also attend Bangladesh's national day celebrations on March 26 and will deliver an address on the occasion at the parade ground in Dhaka, he added. Modi is also scheduled to visit the 'National Martyrs' Memorial' located in Savar. The memorial was set up in honour of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. "Both Prime Ministers will also inaugurate the Bongobandhu-Bapu exhibition in Dhaka that will showcase the life and legacies of the two great leaders," said Shringla. "Considering the significance of historic Mujib Borso, the Prime Minister will visit Bongobandhu mausoleum complex at Tungipara of Gopalganj district and he will be the first Indian dignitary to ever visit Tungipara which many of us known as family home of Rahman," he said. Shringla said the prime minister will also visit heritage sites in Satkhira and Orakandi. The two Prime Ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity. During the summit, the two countries inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.

Range of pacts to be inked during PM Modi's Bangladesh visit: Foreign Secretary Shringla

Before there was Live Aid or any other benefit/charity concert, former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and friends took over the Madison Square in New York for Bangladesh. The country had just&nbsp;come out fresh from the Liberation War, and was reeling under a refugee crisis, poverty and mass hunger among others.&nbsp;

As Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence after the 1971 war, we take a look at what can easily be called the first-of-its kind charity concert that paved the way for a model that is well-known today in the world of music.&nbsp;

In August 1971, former Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison, his good friend Pandit Ravi Shankar from India and other well-known musicians took to stage in New York for The Concert for Bangladesh.

That musical event is remembered even today as a path-breaker as it not only raised international awareness but organised a relief fund for refugees from East Pakistan, following the Bangladesh Liberation War. By the time the concert took place, it is estimated that millions of Bangladeshi refugees had fled the country and crossed over into India.

The magnanimous first-ever benefit concert featured performers like George Harrison, fellow ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, as well as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Leon Russell and the band Badfinger. It also featured Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan – both of whom had ancestral roots in Bangladesh. In fact, it was the Indian musician&nbsp;Ravi Shankar&nbsp;who had highlighted the issue of displacement, hunger and misery among the people of the newly independent nation to George Harrison, who then took it upon himself to use his platform and popularity to raise awareness about the plight of the people of Bangladesh.

Harrison performed a special song he wrote for the occasion, also titled ‘Bangla Desh’ which interestingly featured Ravi Shankar’s plea to him for assistance, as the lyrics go "My friend came to me with sadness in his eyes / Told me that he wanted help before his country dies".

Years later, former&nbsp;UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan&nbsp;recognised the basic human aspect behind the cause.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/readymade-in-bangladesh-a-future-proof-success-story-in-textiles-372290" hreflang="en">Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles</a>

The concert, with gigs that experimented with a fusion of Western music and Indian classical music, was attended by a total of 40,000 people, under the auspices of UNICEF. It managed to raise over $250,000.

The event is known as George Harrison’s first live appearance before a paying audience since the Beatles quit touring in August 1966.&nbsp;

Before there was Live Aid or any other benefit/charity concert, former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and friends took over the Madison Square in New York for Bangladesh.

Before there was Live Aid or any other benefit/charity concert, former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and friends took over the Madison Square in New York for Bangladesh. The country had just come out fresh from the Liberation War, and was reeling under a refugee crisis, poverty and mass hunger among others. As Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence after the 1971 war, we take a look at what can easily be called the first-of-its kind charity concert that paved the way for a model that is well-known today in the world of music. In August 1971, former Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison, his good friend Pandit Ravi Shankar from India and other well-known musicians took to stage in New York for The Concert for Bangladesh. That musical event is remembered even today as a path-breaker as it not only raised international awareness but organised a relief fund for refugees from East Pakistan, following the Bangladesh Liberation War. By the time the concert took place, it is estimated that millions of Bangladeshi refugees had fled the country and crossed over into India. The magnanimous first-ever benefit concert featured performers like George Harrison, fellow ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, as well as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Leon Russell and the band Badfinger. It also featured Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan – both of whom had ancestral roots in Bangladesh. In fact, it was the Indian musician Ravi Shankar who had highlighted the issue of displacement, hunger and misery among the people of the newly independent nation to George Harrison, who then took it upon himself to use his platform and popularity to raise awareness about the plight of the people of Bangladesh. Harrison performed a special song he wrote for the occasion, also titled ‘Bangla Desh’ which interestingly featured Ravi Shankar’s plea to him for assistance, as the lyrics go "My friend came to me with sadness in his eyes / Told me that he wanted help before his country dies". Years later, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan recognised the basic human aspect behind the cause. Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles The concert, with gigs that experimented with a fusion of Western music and Indian classical music, was attended by a total of 40,000 people, under the auspices of UNICEF. It managed to raise over $250,000. The event is known as George Harrison’s first live appearance before a paying audience since the Beatles quit touring in August 1966.

George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music

Sam Manekshaw & struggle for Bangladesh: How Indian army destroyed Pak in 1971

A giant portrait of Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made from rice paddies is drawing hundreds of visitors as the country gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence.

The 400 metre-long portrait of the father of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was created from planting purple and green rice over 13 hectares (33 acres) of land.

Last year, Hasina unveiled plans for mass celebrations to mark the birth centenary of Mujibur Rahman, who was born on March 17, 1920, as well as the 50 years since the founding of Bangladesh.

Since then, hundreds of sculptures and murals of Sheikh Mujib have been appearing across the country.

Although the commemorations have been overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, the government has embarked on a mass building of murals and memorials to honour Sheikh Mujib.

This month, visits from the leaders of India, the Maldives and Nepal will kickstart the main celebration events.

Popularly known as Bangabandhu, Mujibur Rahman remains a towering figure in the South Asian nation, in life and death.

His story, which includes legal and political battles long after his demise, is intertwined with the history and politics of Bangladesh, the nation he founded.

Mujibur led the independence struggle in former East Pakistan until March 25, 1971, when Pakistani troops whisked him away to then West Pakistan.

He was interned there for nine months while his followers led the struggle for independence in a months-long guerrilla war, aided by India. The Mukti Bahini, also known as the Bangladesh Forces, was the resistance movement consisting of members of Bangladeshi military, paramilitary and civilians during the War of Liberation that led to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Mujib came back home in January 1972 and took the reins of the war-ravaged country. But he was killed along with most members of his family by rebel army officers on August 15, 1975, setting the country on a long course of military rule.

Sheikh Hasina, one of Mujib’s two daughters who survived the family’s massacre because they were abroad at the time, returned home in 1981, took charge of his Awami League party and became prime minister in 1996.

She vowed to put her father’s killers on trial. Her government revoked the indemnity ordinance in 1996 and cleared the way for a trial of the assassins and coup leaders, beginning with a police complaint identifying 20 accused.

In 1998, a Dhaka judge handed down death sentences on 15 of the 20 accused, of whom only four were in custody. They appealed in the High Court against the verdict, the first of a series of appeals. Three convictions were eventually thrown out, but not for the four in custody.

Another of those convicted was jailed after being extradited from the United States in June 2008, subsequently joining in the appeals.

Between repeated appeals and governments less interested in the case than Hasina, who was out of power from 2001 until early 2009, those convicted remained in prison.

After lengthy hearings, the Supreme Court in November 2009 upheld the sentences on the five as well as six others still at large and believed to be outside the country. Another whose death sentence was upheld died abroad.

A giant portrait of Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made from rice paddies is drawing hundreds of visitors as the country gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence.

A giant portrait of Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made from rice paddies is drawing hundreds of visitors as the country gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence. The 400 metre-long portrait of the father of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was created from planting purple and green rice over 13 hectares (33 acres) of land. Last year, Hasina unveiled plans for mass celebrations to mark the birth centenary of Mujibur Rahman, who was born on March 17, 1920, as well as the 50 years since the founding of Bangladesh. Since then, hundreds of sculptures and murals of Sheikh Mujib have been appearing across the country. Although the commemorations have been overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, the government has embarked on a mass building of murals and memorials to honour Sheikh Mujib. This month, visits from the leaders of India, the Maldives and Nepal will kickstart the main celebration events. Popularly known as Bangabandhu, Mujibur Rahman remains a towering figure in the South Asian nation, in life and death. His story, which includes legal and political battles long after his demise, is intertwined with the history and politics of Bangladesh, the nation he founded. Mujibur led the independence struggle in former East Pakistan until March 25, 1971, when Pakistani troops whisked him away to then West Pakistan. He was interned there for nine months while his followers led the struggle for independence in a months-long guerrilla war, aided by India. The Mukti Bahini, also known as the Bangladesh Forces, was the resistance movement consisting of members of Bangladeshi military, paramilitary and civilians during the War of Liberation that led to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Mujib came back home in January 1972 and took the reins of the war-ravaged country. But he was killed along with most members of his family by rebel army officers on August 15, 1975, setting the country on a long course of military rule. Sheikh Hasina, one of Mujib’s two daughters who survived the family’s massacre because they were abroad at the time, returned home in 1981, took charge of his Awami League party and became prime minister in 1996. She vowed to put her father’s killers on trial. Her government revoked the indemnity ordinance in 1996 and cleared the way for a trial of the assassins and coup leaders, beginning with a police complaint identifying 20 accused. In 1998, a Dhaka judge handed down death sentences on 15 of the 20 accused, of whom only four were in custody. They appealed in the High Court against the verdict, the first of a series of appeals. Three convictions were eventually thrown out, but not for the four in custody. Another of those convicted was jailed after being extradited from the United States in June 2008, subsequently joining in the appeals. Between repeated appeals and governments less interested in the case than Hasina, who was out of power from 2001 until early 2009, those convicted remained in prison. After lengthy hearings, the Supreme Court in November 2009 upheld the sentences on the five as well as six others still at large and believed to be outside the country. Another whose death sentence was upheld died abroad.

In life and death, Mujibur Rahman continues to be a towering figure in Bangladesh

A 250-kg live bomb has been found buried at a construction site at the international airport here with experts speculating that the cylinder-like bomb was dropped sometime during Bangladesh's Liberation War against Pakistan in 1971.

Construction workers detected the bomb on Wednesday during their excavation works for an extended terminal of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HISA), airport officials said.

On information, the bomb disposal unit of the Air Force's Bangabandhu Base rushed to the spot and defused the 250-kg bomb, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Later, the bomb, which army experts called a "live bomb" having explosives inside, was taken to Rasulpur Firing Range in Paharkanchanpur with necessary precautions for its safe and guided explosion.

"It has been identified to be a 'general purpose' bomb which is dropped from the air to inflict damage on enemy troops, vehicles, and buildings," a military bomb expert said.

Bomb experts believe that the bomb was dropped sometime during the Liberation War in 1971.

A 250-kg live bomb has been found buried at a construction site at the international airport here with experts speculating that the cylinder-like bomb was dropped sometime during Bangladesh's Liberation War against Pakistan in 1971.

A 250-kg live bomb has been found buried at a construction site at the international airport here with experts speculating that the cylinder-like bomb was dropped sometime during Bangladesh's Liberation War against Pakistan in 1971. Construction workers detected the bomb on Wednesday during their excavation works for an extended terminal of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HISA), airport officials said. On information, the bomb disposal unit of the Air Force's Bangabandhu Base rushed to the spot and defused the 250-kg bomb, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. Later, the bomb, which army experts called a "live bomb" having explosives inside, was taken to Rasulpur Firing Range in Paharkanchanpur with necessary precautions for its safe and guided explosion. "It has been identified to be a 'general purpose' bomb which is dropped from the air to inflict damage on enemy troops, vehicles, and buildings," a military bomb expert said. Bomb experts believe that the bomb was dropped sometime during the Liberation War in 1971.

250-kg live bomb from 1971 war found buried near Dhaka airport