Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Vikram Doraiswami has said India respects Bangladesh for the ‘certain values’ on that the country was created by maximum sacrifices of the mass people.

“The respect that we (Indians) have for Bangladesh comes from this (values) …it comes from what Bangladesh is to Bangladesh,” he said.

He was speaking at an intergenerational dialogue titled ‘Liberation War & Its Values – Across the Ages’ at the High Commission organised by the Indian high commission in the capital and in association with the Youth Opportunities on Tuesday evening.

The Indian envoy said that the ideals and values of the Liberation War of 1971 are the foundation upon which the bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh are flourishing.

“Bangladesh’s success is land mark and lesson for everyone in the region including India,” he said.

He said India is looking forward to the joint commemoration of 50 years of Liberation War and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.

Speakers at the discussion laid emphasis on youth leadership to keep the spirit of 1971 Liberation War unhurt and take the country towards achieving the goal of ‘Sonar Bangla’.

The speakers encouraged young people to read more about Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to learn about leadership qualities.

Aroma Dutta, MP, Prof Muntassir Mamoon, Nasiruddin Yousuf Bacchu and Julian Francis OBE participated in the discussion which was moderated by Shahriar Kabir.

The panelists interacted with a cross-section of Bangladeshi youth who included illustrators, radio professionals, and entrepreneurs.

The High Commissioner also launched a writing competition, ‘What Liberation Means to Me?’ being conducted by the High Commission of India in association with Youth Opportunities.

Bangladeshi youth, in the age group of 18-35, can participate in the competition by submitting entries in Bangla and English.