Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed will arrive here on January 11 for a two-day visit that is being seen as a compliment for the state’s contributions to the freedom struggle of the neighbouring country four decades ago.
The vice-president of India, Dr Hamid Ansari, will also visit the state at the same time to remain present in the 9th convocation of the Tripura Central University as chief guest where Ms Wajed will be conferred with an honorary D. Litt.
S.K. Panda, chief secretary, told the reporters that the ministry of foreign affairs confirmed the visit and the state is preparing to receive both the dignitaries in a befitting manner.
The state government also will give a civic reception to both the dignitaries at Assam Rifles ground here.
In addition, the vice-president will attend a special programme at local police line where he will hand over the “President’s Colours” to the Tripura police in recognition of its glorious performance in controlling the insurgency in the state virtually without any allegation of human rights violation.
Tripura was fuming since long for being ignored by the Bangla leaders despite the fact that the Agartala conspiracy case, in which the father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was one of the main accused, was the first major step towards the beginning of the freedom struggle. Moreover, the state sheltered 15 lakh refugees, more then the state’s total population at that time, and first assaults by the Muktijodhas were launched from its soil in 1971.
“Despite all his affection for the state, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could not make it to Tripura after the country was liberated and now we are happy that his daughter is fulfilling our aspiration,” said Jiten Pal, a freedom fighter, who also played a vital role in the freedom struggle for Bangladesh.