NATORE: Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das on Monday (July 27) said India is a dedicated companion of Bangladesh in protecting the shared heritage and culture.

She said it at a function marking the inauguration of an age-old temple “Sree Sree Joy Kali Matar Mondir” in Natore.

Indian High Commissioner Riva Ganguly and State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak jointly inaugurated the reconstructed temple during a virtual meeting on Monday. 

MP Md Shafiqul Islam and Natore Mayor Uma Choudhury also joined the online program. 

Speaking at the event Indian envoy said, “The High Commission of India is pleased to have supported the renovation of one of the oldest temples of Bangladesh, the Sree Sree Joy Kali Matar Temple in Natore. India continues to be a committed partner of Bangladesh in the preservation of our shared heritage and culture which further strengthens our people-to-people relations."

The Bangladesh Minister said, “We will build Natore as a role model of development. In this endeavour, our friendly neighbour India will continue to stand by our side in the coming days."

Earlier on October 23 in 2016, Bangladesh signed a MoU with India for the reconstruction of the Kali Matar Mondir with the total cost of Tk1.33 crore. The project was implemented under India’s High Impact Community Development Scheme (HICDP) with Tk 97 lakh assistance from the Indian government. 

Sree Sree JoyKali Matar Temple is one of the oldest temples situated in Natore and was built at the beginning of 18th century by Dayaram Roy, Dewan of Queen Bhahani of Natore and the founder of Dighapatia Royal Family. The compound of the temple also houses a Lord Shiva temple. Durga and Kali Puja are celebrated every year at the temple.

BDST: 1910 HRS, JULY 27, 2020
AP