Sheikh Hasina Thanks India Calls Us A 'True Friend' At A Summit With PM Narendra Modi

On December 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a virtual summit with Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The summit aimed to strengthen India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy with various objectives discussed and signed on.

December 16, 2020 marked the 49th anniversary of the victory of Bangladesh liberation war, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina expressed her gratitude to India as we played an instrumental role in their liberation.

Was honoured to review our diverse ties with Bangladesh during my Virtual Summit with PM Sheikh Hasina today. We also unveiled a stamp honouring Bangabandhu, and launched the Bangabandhu-Bapu musuem and the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2020

Moreover, seven agreements in the areas of hydrocarbon, culture, agriculture, high impact community development projects and the conservation of wildlife were signed at today’s summit, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Furthermore, water sharing of river Teesta and other issues related to fisheries were also discussed.

Sheikh Hasina extends gratitude to India

India and Bangladesh have mostly shared cordial ties, and have cooperated on various occasions.

On the 49th anniversary of the victory of the Bangladesh liberation war, the PM stated, "India is our true friend. I pay deep homage to the three million martyrs who laid down their lives; a tribute to the members of the Indian armed forces martyred in the war and to their families. I pay my gratitude to the government and the people of India who extended their whole hearted support for the cause of our nation."

"There is no denying that state sponsored oppression against Bangladesh's just war of liberation led to the death of 3 million people. More than 2,00,000 women were raped and tortured. We deeply respect and understand the sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Smita Pant, said at the media briefing when asked about the comments by the Bangladesh PM.

More about Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina Wazed is the tenth Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She has been the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of the country. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the 'father' of the Bengali Nation and Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib.

Born and raised in a political family of a nation dealing with turmoil back then, her life wasn't easy.  During the peak of violence in Bangladesh in 1970 when her father was arrested, she was forced to live in refuge with her grandmother. On August 15, 1975, her entire family was assassinated at their home by the Army. She was in West Germany at that time, and sought asylum in India for some years.

With a thriving career with both ups and downs, she is one of the most powerful women in the world. Sheikh Hasina ranked 26th on Forbes' list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018, and 30th in 2017 and currently she is ranked at number 39  on the list. She was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World of 2018. Sheikh Hasina is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders, an international network of current and former female presidents and prime ministers.

Also Read: Sheikh Hasina Wins Fourth Term As Bangladesh PM: Things To Know

Sugandha Bora is an intern with SheThePeople.