Indian, Bangladeshi border forces exchange sweets on 78th Independence Day
Aug 15, 2024
Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) [India], August 15 : The Indian Border Guarding Force (176 Battalion) exchanged greetings and sweets with their counterparts from the Border Guard Bangladesh (18 BGB) at the Immigration Check Post (ICP) Fulbari in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri on the occasion of India's 78th Independence Day.
The Indian Border Guarding Force is a paramilitary organisation tasked with securing India's borders, particularly along the sensitive frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh. 
India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day today, embracing a spirit of patriotism and national solidarity.
The theme of this year's Independence Day is 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047'. The celebrations will serve as a platform to provide a renewed push to the government's efforts towards transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047.
On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in the national capital.
In his Independence Day address, PM Modi said that 140 crore Indians are concerned about the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, adding that India will continue to "wish well" for the neighbouring country in its 'Vikas Yatra' as it thinks about the welfare of humankind.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi also said that he hoped that the situation "gets back to normal at the earliest" after violent student-led protests against the Bangladesh government led to Shiekh Hasina tendering her resignation.
"As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest," PM Modi said.
"The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there - India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace," the Prime Minister said.
Further, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to peace and prosperity in the neighbouring countries, wishing well for Bangladesh's progress and humanity's welfare.
"We are committed to peace...In the days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its 'Vikas Yatra' because we think about the welfare of humankind," PM Modi said.
