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AMN / DHAKA

President Ram Nath Kovind today inaugurated the renovated Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka which was destroyed by the Pakistani army during the 1971 liberation war.

President also interacted with the liberation war fighters of Bangladesh called Muktijoddha as well as Indian veterans here. Before concluding his three-day state visit Mr Kovind also interacted with a cross-section of Bangladeshi society and people of the Indian community.

Last evening, delivering his address as the guest of honour in Parliament of Bangladesh, Jatiya Sangsad, the President said that India has always attached the highest priority to its friendship with Bangladesh. He was participating in the golden jubilee celebrations of independence of Bangladesh and concluding ceremony of birth centenary celebrations of Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Recalling the 50 year old friendship between both countries, Mr Kovind said, the partnership began by surmounting extraordinary challenges and time has come to raise the bar even higher.

The President, visiting the neighboring country at the invitation of his counterpart to attend the 50th Victory day celebrations, also recalled the sacrifices made by the soldiers of the India Army and Mukti Bahini for the independence of Bangladesh.

President Ram Nath Kovind, starting his speech with greetings in Bengali, expressed India’s commitment to do all it can to help realise the full potential of the friendship between the two countries. Mr Kovind said that he has brought greetings for the people of Bangladesh from their 125 crore Indian brothers and sisters. He said, the struggle of Bangladeshi people during the liberation war for their freedom has a special place in the hearts of Indians.

Mr Kovind said he was deeply inspired by the faith and courage of the people of Bangladesh for their independence. The President said though the partnership began by surmounting extraordinary challenges but now time has come to raise the bar of 50 year old Indo-Bangladesh friendship even higher.