Bangladesh occupies a very special place in the hearts and minds of every Indian, said President Droupadi Murmu. Addressing the Bangladesh Youth Delegation (BYD) 2022 which called on her at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday, October 14, President Murmu said that India has always attached the highest priority to its friendship with Bangladesh and it remains committed to realise its full potential.
Highlighting the deep civilisational links in art, music and literature, President Murmu said that the deep cooperation between the two countries shows the importance that both countries attach to this relationship.
The Bangladesh Youth Delegation arrived in India on Wednesday for a week-long long visit during which they will be interacting with key personalities and institutions in India, ranging from the government, educational, business and science and technology fields. The delegation will also be visiting sites of historical and cultural significance in India.
Addressing the delegation members, the President said that they all are future leaders of Bangladesh. They are the custodians of the future of not only Bangladesh but also of the unique relationship of India and Bangladesh. She expressed confidence that they will play a major role in the years to come in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
The President said that India is proud to be a friend and partner in the Liberation War of Bangladesh and continues to share the development journey with Bangladesh. She said it is important to preserve this spirit, which continues to inspire the deep friendship between the two countries and the people. She said that Liberation of Bangladesh and its rise and prosperity is an inspiring story for the world community. Youth of Bangladesh have a past which is full of glory, and a future that is full of promises.
Pointing to the young population profile of both India and Bangladesh, President Murmu said that as innovators, creators, builders and leaders of the future, the youth of both countries need to engage in cutting-edge areas such as green energy, start ups and technology enabled services in finance, health and education.
The Bangladesh Youth Delegation this year has a mix of professionals from all walks of life and includes participants from all over Bangladesh. The delegation includes journalists, sports-persons, doctors, artists and engineers, among others.
The Bangladesh Youth Delegation programme was started in 2012 as a joint initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The main objective of this youth programme is to foster goodwill and understanding between the two countries, promote exchange of ideas and understanding of values and culture among the youth.
