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?

The key role played by India in the birth of Bangladesh cannot be overlooked and since then, despite roadblocks, the two countries have maintained close relations.

On March 26, Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> will be visiting Bangladesh on a two-day trip to mark the centenary celebrations of &nbsp;Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bangladesh-independence-golden-jubilee">50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence</a>&nbsp;from Pakistan.&nbsp;

This will be Modi's first visit abroad since the coronavirus pandemic, and is an example of the importance New Delhi gives to its ties with Dhaka. Recently, India has also sent the largest consignment of coronavirus vaccine doses to Bangladesh as part of its 'vaccine diplomacy'.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-india-bangladesh-friendship-372108/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As the Indian prime minister gets set for his visit, let's look at the history of ties in key areas and what can be expected in this trip.&nbsp;

<h2>Trade</h2>

Bangladesh is currently India's biggest trade partner in the South Asian region. To strengthen and encourage Bangladesh's trade and commerce, India has given several concessions to Dhaka, including duty-free access to Bangladeshi products into the Indian markets. New Delhi is also working continually to reduce Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB). To encourage trade, India is developing the Integrated Check Post in 10 border crossing points to lower NTBs, according to Observer Research Foundation. New Delhi's attempts to boost trade with Bangladesh saw fruitful results, as in 2019 Bangladesh's exports to India witnessed an increase of 43 per cent from the previous year.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-very-lucky-to-host-pm-narendra-modi-for-major-celebrations-foreign-minister-momen-370088">Bangladesh 'very lucky' to host PM Narendra Modi for major celebrations: Foreign Minister Momen</a>

<h2>Connectivity</h2>

This is one area where a lot has been delivered on the ground. A bus service was launched in 1999 that connected Dhaka with the eastern Indian city of Kolkata. Soon, another such service was kicked off between Dhaka with Agartala, which extended the connectivity of India's northeast. An old railway line that remained non-operational for 43 years was restored in 2008 between Dhaka and Kolkata.

Th two nations launched the Maitri (Friendship) Express and several old rail networks have been restored.&nbsp;

In December 2020, Modi met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during&nbsp;which both leaders agreed to revive the trans-border railway link connecting India's Chilahati and Bangladesh's Haldibari. Many other railway routes are set to be established this year.&nbsp;

<h2>A friend in need</h2>

India has extended its hand of friendship whenever Bangladesh faced crises. India offered lines of credit worth about $10 billion to Bangladesh as part of development assistance, which includes setting up orphanages, cultural centres, educational institutions. India has also simplified the visa process for Bangladeshi tourists and 1.5 million visas were issued in 2019. New Delhi has also come forward during natural disasters in Bangladesh, including cyclone Sidr in 2007 and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. During the coronavirus crisis, India provided medical training to Bangladeshi professionals, test kits and medicines, beside the dispatch of vaccine consignments.&nbsp;

<h2>Security&nbsp;</h2>

The successful security cooperation between the nations resulted in tackling militancy in Bangladesh. India's efforts to contain the militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh's activities is an example of engagement on this front.&nbsp;

<h2>Settlement of boundaries</h2>

The resolution of land and maritime boundaries disputes is one of the major highlights of the bilateral ties. After a ruling by the United Nations, India agreed to give up around 19,467 km in the Bay of Bengal without challenging the decision, a move that gave great access to Bangladesh to the resource-rich sea.&nbsp;

The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) signed between both nations in 2015 facilitated the transfer of 111 enclaves. According to the historic agreement, Bangladesh received more than 17,000 acres from India and gave up over 7,000 acres to India.&nbsp;

<h2>Expectations from Modi's visit</h2>

During this visit, India and Bangladesh are likely to sign three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen has said the agreements were likely to be in the areas of disaster management and cooperation between institutions of the two nations.&nbsp;

Discussions on the 'India-Bangladesh-Myanmar-Thailand and beyond'&nbsp;belt are also expected to come up along with road connectivity with India and Bangladesh that wound extend up to Nepal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The key role played by India in the birth of Bangladesh cannot be overlooked and since then, despite roadblocks, the two countries have maintained close relations.

The key role played by India in the birth of Bangladesh cannot be overlooked and since then, despite roadblocks, the two countries have maintained close relations. On March 26, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Bangladesh on a two-day trip to mark the centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. This will be Modi's first visit abroad since the coronavirus pandemic, and is an example of the importance New Delhi gives to its ties with Dhaka. Recently, India has also sent the largest consignment of coronavirus vaccine doses to Bangladesh as part of its 'vaccine diplomacy'. Watch | As the Indian prime minister gets set for his visit, let's look at the history of ties in key areas and what can be expected in this trip. Trade Bangladesh is currently India's biggest trade partner in the South Asian region. To strengthen and encourage Bangladesh's trade and commerce, India has given several concessions to Dhaka, including duty-free access to Bangladeshi products into the Indian markets. New Delhi is also working continually to reduce Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB). To encourage trade, India is developing the Integrated Check Post in 10 border crossing points to lower NTBs, according to Observer Research Foundation. New Delhi's attempts to boost trade with Bangladesh saw fruitful results, as in 2019 Bangladesh's exports to India witnessed an increase of 43 per cent from the previous year. Also read | Bangladesh 'very lucky' to host PM Narendra Modi for major celebrations: Foreign Minister Momen Connectivity This is one area where a lot has been delivered on the ground. A bus service was launched in 1999 that connected Dhaka with the eastern Indian city of Kolkata. Soon, another such service was kicked off between Dhaka with Agartala, which extended the connectivity of India's northeast. An old railway line that remained non-operational for 43 years was restored in 2008 between Dhaka and Kolkata. Th two nations launched the Maitri (Friendship) Express and several old rail networks have been restored. In December 2020, Modi met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during which both leaders agreed to revive the trans-border railway link connecting India's Chilahati and Bangladesh's Haldibari. Many other railway routes are set to be established this year. A friend in need India has extended its hand of friendship whenever Bangladesh faced crises. India offered lines of credit worth about $10 billion to Bangladesh as part of development assistance, which includes setting up orphanages, cultural centres, educational institutions. India has also simplified the visa process for Bangladeshi tourists and 1.5 million visas were issued in 2019. New Delhi has also come forward during natural disasters in Bangladesh, including cyclone Sidr in 2007 and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. During the coronavirus crisis, India provided medical training to Bangladeshi professionals, test kits and medicines, beside the dispatch of vaccine consignments. Security The successful security cooperation between the nations resulted in tackling militancy in Bangladesh. India's efforts to contain the militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh's activities is an example of engagement on this front. Settlement of boundaries The resolution of land and maritime boundaries disputes is one of the major highlights of the bilateral ties. After a ruling by the United Nations, India agreed to give up around 19,467 km in the Bay of Bengal without challenging the decision, a move that gave great access to Bangladesh to the resource-rich sea. The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) signed between both nations in 2015 facilitated the transfer of 111 enclaves. According to the historic agreement, Bangladesh received more than 17,000 acres from India and gave up over 7,000 acres to India. Expectations from Modi's visit During this visit, India and Bangladesh are likely to sign three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen has said the agreements were likely to be in the areas of disaster management and cooperation between institutions of the two nations. Discussions on the 'India-Bangladesh-Myanmar-Thailand and beyond' belt are also expected to come up along with road connectivity with India and Bangladesh that wound extend up to Nepal.

India-Bangladesh relations: A robust history and optimistic future

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