The High Commission of India in Dhaka was a hub of diplomatic and developmental celebration as it hosted the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2025. The event served as a powerful testament to the enduring partnership between India and Bangladesh, focusing on human resource development and shared progress.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Partnership
In his keynote address, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Pranay Verma, underscored the profound significance of the ITEC program. He highlighted that for over six decades, ITEC has stood as a cornerstone of India's development partnership, fundamentally rooted in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. The High Commissioner pointed out that Bangladesh has consistently been one of the program's most active and valued partners.
The statistics speak volumes about this collaboration. Since its inception, the ITEC initiative has empowered more than 200,000 professionals from over 160 partner nations. From the Bangladeshi perspective, the impact is deeply felt. To date, a remarkable over 5,000 Bangladeshi officials and professionals have benefited from diverse training courses offered under the ITEC and its sister programs. These courses span critical fields including public administration, cybersecurity, renewable energy, entrepreneurship, and parliamentary practices.
Celebrating Achievements and Building Futures
The ITEC Day 2025 event was not merely a ceremonial gathering; it was a vibrant platform for engagement and recognition. The guest list reflected the program's broad appeal, featuring ITEC alumni, senior officials from the Government of Bangladesh, diplomats, media representatives, and prominent members of the Indian community. This diverse congregation highlighted the wide-reaching influence of the capacity-building initiative.
A focal point of the celebration was the heartfelt sharing of experiences by ITEC alumni. These professionals took the stage to narrate how the training they received in India has been instrumental in enhancing their professional skills and contributing directly to their work in Bangladesh. Their testimonials provided tangible evidence of the program's success in fostering individual growth and institutional development.
Strengthening the India-Bangladesh Development Corridor
The event powerfully reinforced the ITEC program's role as a vital bridge in the multifaceted India-Bangladesh relationship. High Commissioner Verma eloquently framed the initiative as a key component of the two nations' shared journey towards a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and a Smart Bangladesh. By investing in human capital, the program directly supports Bangladesh's ambitious national development goals.
Looking ahead, the High Commission emphasized its unwavering commitment to further expanding and enriching this collaborative venture. The goal is to ensure that the ITEC program continues to evolve, addressing emerging needs and equipping Bangladeshi professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills. This ongoing commitment promises to deepen people-to-people connections and solidify a partnership based on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
The successful commemoration of ITEC Day 2025 in Dhaka stands as a clear marker of the health and dynamism of bilateral relations. It moves beyond traditional diplomacy, focusing on the practical empowerment of individuals who are, in turn, driving progress in their communities and nation. As both countries advance on their respective development paths, initiatives like ITEC ensure they walk forward together, building capacity and fostering enduring friendship.
