Committed to creating environment for 'free, participatory' polls: Wahiduddin Mahmud

Planning and Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud has said the interim government is committed to making the groundwork for fostering an "inclusive and pluralistic democracy"; and creating an environment for "free, fair and participatory" elections in line with the aspirations of the country's people.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception on Saturday evening hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka, celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India.

The Adviser said over the years, the two countries collaborated in a wide range of areas, and Bangladesh is committed to strengthening the relationship based on mutual respect and understanding of each other's perspectives, concerns and priorities

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma also spoke at the reception.

Political leaders, including emeritus president of the Gono Forum Dr Kamal Hossain, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhory, Jatiya Party leaders including its Chairman GM Quader, Advisers including Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, businesses leaders, editors, civil society members and celebrities were present.

The Planning Adviser said they are committed to taking forward the relationship to a people-centric approach where the welfare of the people of both countries will be ensured.

"I am confident that our relationship will continue to strengthen based on goodwill, mutual trust and respect," he said.

Referring to the nation anthems of the two countries at the beginning of the two countries, Adviser Wahiduddin said this is unique in the world that both national anthems were written by the same poet Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore which defines the relations.

The Adviser, who has been a teacher and researcher in his entire life, said 76 reminds him of his own age. "I am as old as Independent India."

He said the Bangladesh-India relationship is multifaceted and based on our shared history, geographical proximity, cultural affinity and people-to-people connections.

Adviser Wahiduddin said the people of Bangladesh fondly remember the crucial role played by the people and government of India during Bangladesh's great War of Liberation in 1971.

He mentioned that Bangladesh aims to foster strong relations with its neighbouring countries, including India, to promote shared prosperity and sustainable development.

"Bangladesh expects this relationship to be based on fairness and equity," he said, noting that India is Bangladesh's closest neighbour.

On the issue of people-centric relations, Adviser Wahiduddin shared some of his personal remarks and said some of his closest friends are Indian academics - either living in India or abroad.

He said they collaborate and exchange ideas through many research networks and platforms.

"I can say with confidence that these close ties, many of us have in academia in India and Bangladesh, will continue to contribute to the mutual goodwill and understanding between our two countries," said the Adviser.

Wahiduddin extended the warmest greetings to the government and people of India. "May Bangladesh-India relations live forever."

Indian President Droupadi Murmu is leading the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025.

With a special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, the celebrations this year are a unique blend of India's rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess.

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto is the chief guest.

Around 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to witness the parade, in line with the Indian Government's objective to increase 'Jan Bhagidari' in events of national importance.

These special guests from different walks of life are the architects of 'Swarnim Bharat'.

They include best performers in various fields and those who have made the best use of the schemes of the government.