AGARTALA: Paying homage to the 30 lakh martyrs and 2 lakh women who suffered during the 1971 Liberation War, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala on March 26 observed the country’s 55th Independence and National Day with solemn ceremonies in the morning and a formal reception in the evening attended by top Tripura government officials.
The day-long programme was held in two phases. In the first phase at 9:00 AM, the national flag was hoisted at the mission premises to the accompaniment of the national anthem. Messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Foreign State Minister of Bangladesh were read aloud.
A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the Liberation War martyrs, followed by special prayers for their souls and for Bangladesh’s continued prosperity. A special video screened by the ministry brought the first phase to a close.
The second phase began at 7:00 PM at Hotel Polo Tower, Agartala, with the national anthems of both Bangladesh and India. Tripura’s Minister for Panchayat, Higher Education and General Administration (Political), Kishor Barman, attended as chief guest, while Tripura Legislative Assembly Speaker Rampada Jamatia was the guest of honour.
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Rajya Sabha MP and Tripura BJP State President Rajib Bhattacharjee, state Secretary Dr. K. Shashikumar and Special Secretary Ratan Biswas were also present, along with Techno India University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ratan Kumar Saha, Liberation War honouree Swapan Bhattacharjee and heirs of Maitri Samman recipients. Senior officials, media representatives, business leaders, civil society members and mission staff also attended.
In his welcome address, Assistant High Commissioner Hasan Al Bashar Abul Ulayi acknowledged Tripura’s wholehearted support to Bangladesh during the 1971 war and expressed his commitment to strengthening ties between the two sides through their historical bond, geographical closeness and economic potential.
Chief Guest Kishor Barman, on behalf of the Tripura government and its people, congratulated all citizens of Bangladesh on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of their Independence and National Day.
The evening concluded with a cultural performance by local artists, followed by a dinner.