Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has lauded the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as an iconic hero for both India and Bangladesh. Speaking at an event held at the ITC Maurya in New Delhi, Dr. Jaishankar described Bangabandhu as “a man of action, courage, and conviction,” who remains a symbol of inspiration across the two nations.
Honouring the Legacy of a Visionary Leader
The occasion marked the awarding of the “Mujib Scholarship” to the direct descendants of Indian soldiers and officers of the defence forces who were martyred or critically wounded during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh. The scholarships were personally conferred by Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina.
A Token of Homage to 1971 War Heroes
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her address, underscored the significance of the scholarships as a tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers.
“The conferment of 200 Mujib Scholarships—100 each for Class 10 and Class 12 students—on the descendants of Indian war veterans is a token of our homage to the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in 1971 for our cause,” she remarked.
Dr. Jaishankar extended gratitude on behalf of the Indian government and people for this noble initiative, stating:
“Prime Minister, your gracious and generous gesture is deeply appreciated. Bangabandhu is as revered and remembered in India as he is in Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has affirmed that ‘Bangabandhu is our national hero, too.’”
Bangabandhu’s Enduring Influence
Reflecting on the shared history of the two nations, Jaishankar highlighted Bangabandhu’s role in liberating the oppressed and forging a new nation. He further mentioned the collaborative efforts between India and Bangladesh in commemorating Bangabandhu’s legacy, including the commissioning of a biopic, which is now nearing completion.
Dr. Jaishankar also emphasised the historic ties between the two countries, forged during the Liberation War:
“The relationship between our two nations is built on the foundation of blood and sacrifice. India was privileged to play a role in Bangladesh’s struggle for independence—one of the great movements in contemporary history. When the war began in 1971, the Indian Armed Forces stood beside the people of Bangladesh in their fight for liberation.”
Honouring the war veterans, Jaishankar paid tribute to the valiant Indian soldiers who laid down their lives:
“We lost many brave men and officers in these operations. Today, I pay deep homage not only to that generation of Bangladeshis but also to our gallant soldiers and officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of another nation.”
The Muktijoddha Bond: A Lasting Connection
Dr. Jaishankar noted that the Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) have long acted as a bridge between India and Bangladesh, strengthening diplomatic and historical ties. He acknowledged the importance of initiatives like the Mujib Scholarship in reinforcing this bond across generations.
Addressing the young scholarship recipients, he urged them to honour the legacy of the Liberation War:
“To the young people receiving this scholarship, my heartfelt congratulations. You inherit a brave and historic legacy. Honour and cherish it. As you progress in life, you will be the custodians of the memory of that epochal war that gave birth to a new nation.”
Encouraging the students to uphold the values symbolised by Bangabandhu, he added:
“Strive to excel in all your endeavours. Your success will be one of the finest tributes to the heroic leader in whose name this scholarship is awarded.”
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Dr. Jaishankar praised the leadership of both Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advancing India-Bangladesh relations. He highlighted the multifaceted progress in diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges, ensuring a promising future for both nations.
In his concluding remarks, he reiterated:
“The Government of Bangladesh’s decision to award the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Student Scholarship is a testament to how the 1971 Liberation War continues to inspire our bilateral relationship.”
The event reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bangladesh, celebrating the shared history and mutual respect that continue to shape their future collaboration.