Joyag (Bangladesh), Sept 28: Homage was paid to Mahatma Gandhi as "one of the most outstanding personalities of the 20th century" at a function at Gandhi Ashram (hermitage) here. Gandhi visited Noakhali during the last years of British-ruled India, which in 1947 was split into two independent countries - India and Pakistan. Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan but emerged as an independent nation by separating itself from that country through a bloody war in 1971.
Indian High Commissioner Manilal Tripathi, former MP Hasna Jasimuddin Moudud and economist Debapriya Bhattachariya attended the function.
Tripathi noted that friendship between Bangladesh and India is rooted in a multi-layered and multi-facet foundation and said this shared ethos provides a strong basis for our abiding friendship and should be cherished as a valuable asset for realising the full potential of the friendship.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Moudud Ahmed also attended the function as the chief guest.
The weeklong programme includes peace rally, 60 peace meetings in different villages, blood donation and children painting and essay competitions. Bureau Report