Vivekananda International Foundation | Seeking Harmony in Diversity

50 Years of Bangladesh and its Evolving Ties with India

On 31st January 2022, Vivekananda International Foundation organised a talk on "50 years of Bangladesh and its Evolving Ties with India". 2021 marked the Golden Jubilee of the Liberation War and 50 years of India-Bangladesh ties. It also marked the 100th Birth Anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of Bangladesh. Additionally, 2022 marks 75 years of India's Independence. The 50 years of India-Bangladesh friendship are built on the sacrifices made by the Indian forces and Bangladesh warriors in the Liberation War.

February 16, 2022 Event Report

Discussion on India-Bangladesh Relations: Opportunities and Challenges

On 21 January 2021, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) organised VIMRASH on India-Bangladesh Relations: Opportunities and Challenges. Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF, introduced Md. Shahriar Alam, M.P. State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and gave opening remarks. Dr Gupta stated that India-Bangladesh relations are diversified and strategic, and in the last decade are in their golden phase of the relationship. Both countries have successfully resolved border and security related issues andfixed their maritime boundaries.

February 02, 2021 Event Report

VIF and ISAS Book Discussion “Bangladesh at 50: Development and Challenges”

On 28 September 2020, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) and Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore (ISAS-NUS) jointly organised a book discussion on “Bangladesh at 50: Development and Challenges” edited by Dr Sreeradha Datta and Dr S Narayan. The VIF’s Director - Dr Arvind Gupta and ISAS’s Director - Prof. Raja Mohan welcomed the participants and delivered the opening remarks in which they stated Bangladesh’s journey of transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing country as an ongoing and outstanding achievement.

October 01, 2020 Event Report

Talk by Prof. Rounaq Jahan and Prof. Rehman Sobhan on Bangladesh: Promise and Performance

The Vivekananda International Foundation recently hosted a talk Bangladesh: Promise and Performance, delivered by Prof. Rounaq Jahan and Prof. Rehman, chaired by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF. Prof. Rounaq Jahan began her talk by giving a detailed account of the promises made by Bangladesh and the expectations within and outside the country. She emphasized on the fact that the emergence of Bangladesh was unique because it was the first case of successful emergence of state based on linguistic nationalist movement in the postcolonial scenario.

March 23, 2020 Event Report

Interaction with Honorable Md. Hassan Mahmud Esq., Minister for Information of Bangladesh

The Vivekananda International Foundation organized a talk by honourable Md. Hassan Mahmud Esq. on India Bangladesh Relations, chaired by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF. Md. Hassan began by emphasizing India's role during the time of Bangladesh's independence and how the relationship between the two immediate neighbours has shaped over the period of time. He particularly emphasized the years since 2009 as the golden phase of interaction and cooperation between the two countries especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

March 23, 2020 Event Report

Trilateral Dialogue: India-Bangladesh-Myanmar

A trilateral dialogue comprising of delegation from Bangladesh, Myanmar and VIF experts examined the possibilities of closer bilateral and regional ties through economic, strategic, cultural and maritime cooperation. Possibilities of strengthening regional collectiveness by creating an environment of cooperation, development and ‘single market’ zones, common border economic zones and communities was discussed. Ways to amicably resolve the Rohingya issue that was the cause of tension between and Bangladesh and Myanmar was also discussed.

April 23, 2019 Event Report

Indo-Bangladesh Bilateral Dialogue

A three member Bangladesh delegation led by former foreign secretary Chowdhury highlighted several of the positive developments along with the outstanding issues that remain between the two neighbours. Views on issues of connectivity corridors, economic growth zones, seamless trade and travel, BIMSTEC, borders, water, non-state actors, besides the regional issues including the role of China, Myanmar and other extra regional players were discussed.

April 23, 2019 Event Report

Interaction with Bangladesh Delegation

A delegation of 17 young Members of Bangladesh Parliament interacted with the VIF faculty covering a wide gamut of bilateral issues. While acknowledging India’s interest in generation of many infrastructure development and small development projects, they suggested that India could continue to contribute to the growing economy of Bangladesh.

April 22, 2019 Event Report

Bangladesh Tariqat Federation Party Delegation’s visit to the VIF

VIF hosted an interaction with a three-member delegation of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation Party (BTF) and members of the Awami league led 14 party alliance. The discussions centred around the trend of a particular section of Bangladesh’s polity attempting to move the narrative further right, while the other section would not only wish to arrest that trend but also promote a secular fabric which is inclusive and representative of entire Bangladesh.

October 24, 2018 Event Report

Interaction with Mr. AKM Chowdhury of Bangladesh Nationalist Party

A Roundtable interaction with Mr. AKM Chowdhury, former minister of Commerce and a ranking leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was organised at Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) on June 8, 2018.

June 18, 2018 Event Report