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 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

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

Regional trade is below its potential in South Asia, but leaders of India and Bangladesh are building upon strong bilateral ties for economic growth and prosperity. Maitri Setu, or Friendship Bridge, built over the Feni River is a crucial corridor that will facilitate this.

On March 9, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the 1.9-km bridge, which connects the Indian state of Tripura with Bangladesh. The bridge, built over the Feni River that flows between Tripura and Bangladesh, connects Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh.

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During an online event for the inauguration of the bridge, Hasina recalled India's role in Bangladesh's Liberation War. "Fifty years ago, in 1971, India opened up its border for Bangladesh's people to support their freedom struggle. Today, we are building a prosperous region together," she said.

"The Feni Bridge would improve the connectivity to south Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura with Bangladesh and south-east Asia," Modi said, adding that the bridge would give an impetus to the economic opportunities in Bangladesh as well.

Seamless transport connectivity between India and Bangladesh has the potential to increase national income by as much as 1l7 per cent in Bangladesh and 8 per cent in India, the World Bank said in a report titled 'Connecting to Thrive: Challenges and Opportunities of Transport Integration in Eastern South Asia'.

The global lending institution said that if both the countries sign a Free Trade Agreement, then India’s exports to Bangladesh can shoot up by 126 per cent and improve the latter’s exports by a whopping 182 per cent.

Today, bilateral trade accounts for only about 10 per cent of Bangladesh’s overall trade and a mere 1 per cent of India’s trade.

Modi said the bridge will give an impetus to the economic opportunity in Bangladesh, besides the northeastern region, and thanked Dhaka for the cooperation in the completion of the project.

Modi said the connectivity is not only strengthening the friendship between India and Bangladesh but also proving to be a strong link of business.

He thanked the Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the cooperation in the completion of the bridge project. 
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"The bridge is poised to herald a new chapter for trade and people to people movement between India and Bangladesh. With this inauguration, Tripura is set to become the 'Gateway of North East' with access to Chittagong Port of Bangladesh, which is just 80 km from Sabroom," the Prime Minister's Office said in the statement.

According to the World Bank’s India head Junaid Ahmad, "With the eastern sub-region poised to become an 'economic growth pole' for South Asia, it is important for countries to invest in connectivity to achieve this potential."

(With inputs from agencies)

Regional trade is below its potential in South Asia, but leaders of India and Bangladesh are building upon strong bilateral ties for economic growth and prosperity.

Regional trade is below its potential in South Asia, but leaders of India and Bangladesh are building upon strong bilateral ties for economic growth and prosperity. Maitri Setu, or Friendship Bridge, built over the Feni River is a crucial corridor that will facilitate this. On March 9, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the 1.9-km bridge, which connects the Indian state of Tripura with Bangladesh. The bridge, built over the Feni River that flows between Tripura and Bangladesh, connects Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh. The World Bank said that if both the countries sign a Free Trade Agreement, then India’s exports to Bangladesh can shoot up by 126 per cent and improve the latter’s exports by a whopping 182 per cent. × During an online event for the inauguration of the bridge, Hasina recalled India's role in Bangladesh's Liberation War. "Fifty years ago, in 1971, India opened up its border for Bangladesh's people to support their freedom struggle. Today, we are building a prosperous region together," she said. "The Feni Bridge would improve the connectivity to south Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura with Bangladesh and south-east Asia," Modi said, adding that the bridge would give an impetus to the economic opportunities in Bangladesh as well. Seamless transport connectivity between India and Bangladesh has the potential to increase national income by as much as 1l7 per cent in Bangladesh and 8 per cent in India, the World Bank said in a report titled 'Connecting to Thrive: Challenges and Opportunities of Transport Integration in Eastern South Asia'. The global lending institution said that if both the countries sign a Free Trade Agreement, then India’s exports to Bangladesh can shoot up by 126 per cent and improve the latter’s exports by a whopping 182 per cent. Today, bilateral trade accounts for only about 10 per cent of Bangladesh’s overall trade and a mere 1 per cent of India’s trade. Modi said the bridge will give an impetus to the economic opportunity in Bangladesh, besides the northeastern region, and thanked Dhaka for the cooperation in the completion of the project. Modi said the connectivity is not only strengthening the friendship between India and Bangladesh but also proving to be a strong link of business. He thanked the Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the cooperation in the completion of the bridge project. "The bridge is poised to herald a new chapter for trade and people to people movement between India and Bangladesh. With this inauguration, Tripura is set to become the 'Gateway of North East' with access to Chittagong Port of Bangladesh, which is just 80 km from Sabroom," the Prime Minister's Office said in the statement. According to the World Bank’s India head Junaid Ahmad, "With the eastern sub-region poised to become an 'economic growth pole' for South Asia, it is important for countries to invest in connectivity to achieve this potential." (With inputs from agencies)

'Gateway to Northeast India': Maitri Setu, a crucial India-Bangladesh trade corridor