Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday inaugurated Dhaka’s Ramna Kali Temple, 30 years after it was destroyed by Pakistan forces in the Liberation War. The temple compound has been renovated with Indian grants with active support from the Bangladeshi government. 

There is a memorable plaque with an inscription of the names of those who were martyred on the premises of the temple during the Liberation War in 1971, Kovind was quoted as saying by The Daily Star. the Indian president, who was on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh to participate in the Victory Day celebration, Friday wrapped up his tour. 

The visit came on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s victory over the Pakistani forces, also marking the 50th anniversary of India-Bangladesh diplomatic ties. 

Speaking at an event in Dhaka to Friends of India, the president on Friday said, “To our friends in Bangladesh, let me assure you again that India values your extraordinary goodwill and friendship. We look forward to remaining closely connected, to jointly achieving development and prosperity, and to meeting the aspirations of our people."

Calling Bangladesh’s economic and social transformation under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina as a “role model” for South Asia, Kovind said it proved the 1971 Liberation War was for the “just cause”. 

Furthermore, Bangladesh, he said, embodies the foundational values of a “progressive, inclusive, democratic and harmonious society” that emerge from the Liberation Movement.

On regional connectivity, he said New Delhi is conscious of the fact that “a well connected and better integrated sub-region is important for achieving a better standard of living for our people and meeting their growth and developmental aspirations.” (SAM)