The Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Saturday recalled former Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman’s role in the 1971 Liberation War, saying India stood alongside the people of Bangladesh then and continued to do so now, as it marked the 45th anniversary of his death.

“We recall his famous radio address of March 1971, which electrified the masses, inspired them on a path of resistance against oppression and led to national liberation,” the mission said in a statement, describing Rahman as “one of their nation’s bravest sons”. It added: “Today, as then, India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh in a saga of shared sacrifices and a common journey towards progress and prosperity of both our peoples.”