PM Modi criticises ‘oppressors’ of Bangladesh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over India’s ties with Bangladesh taking a turn for the better in the past five years and drew a distinction between how much it has progressed and the current state of its former oppressors (Pakistan) who had perpetrated “genocide”.
The Prime Minister was paying his tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on a gala event in Dhaka via a video link as the coronavirus pandemic forced him as well as several other SAARC leaders as well as the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to call off their visit.
Without naming Pakistan, Modi said Bangbandhu’s life gives a major message in battling an “oppressive, brutal administration that negated democratic values and laid waste the land of Bangladesh”.
Lauding Sheikh Mujibur Rehman for crafting a positive and progressive society despite the havoc that was perpetrated and the genocide that occurred, Modi said this was due to Bangladesh founder’s approach of shunning negativity and hatred.
“But his efforts were not to the liking of some people and he was snatched away from us. Bangladesh and all of us are fortunate that the lives of Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana (her younger sister) were spared otherwise the supporters of violence had left no stone unturned to finish the family,” he observed while delivering his address in Hindi.
“This is a lesson in how a nation is destroyed when it makes violence the basis of politics and diplomacy. Where are those supporters of terrorism today? What state are they in? On the other hand, Bangladesh is reaching new heights which the world is taking note of.”
Describing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the “hand of defiance against brutality and a shield against coercion”, he said it was these traits in his personality that inspired lakhs of youngsters to face every possible hurdle in fighting for the country’s liberation.
The Prime Minister said whether it is the economy or social indices, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress. “It gives me happiness that in the past five-six years, both sides have scripted a golden chapter in their bilateral ties and increased mutual trust which enabled the resolution of the complex land and maritime boundaries peacefully.
Noting that India was Bangladesh’s biggest trading as well as development partner, Modi mentioned Indian electricity lighting of lakhs of homes and factories in Bangladesh as well as the new areas of cooperation in roads, rail, air, waterway and internet.
Both the UN Secretary General and Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering began their addresses with Salam Walaikum while the latter switched to a while in flawless Bengali.
