The rally also protested against the expansionist stance taken up by China.

The rally took place at a time when Indian and Chinese soldiers were engaged in a border dispute last week leaving 20 Indian soldiers dead.

The rally was presided over by  convener of Bangladesh Sachetan Nagorik Committee (BCC) Professor Dr. N C Bhowmik and addressed by co-convener Md Salauddin, Gontontri Party President M A Jolil, Journalist Basudeb Dhar, Moti Lal Roy, Projanmo Command President (Front organisation of Muktijudda Sansad) among others.

People were seen holding posters which read: "Long live India-Bangladesh friendly relationship."

Jatio Sramik League President (Labour Front of AL) Fazlul Haque Monto attended the rally.

Speakers highlighted the necessity of maintaining a close bond between Bangladesh and India.

They said both the neighbouring nations share common history, heritage and culture.

Speakers also said during the Liberation War, China worked against the interests of Bangladesh and supported Pakistan, a country still patronising terrorists and militants in the region and China is its strong supporter.

On the other hand, Uyghur Muslims are being persecuted in China. Eleven lakh Rohingyas had to leave Myanmar due to persecution of Myanmar security forces supported by China, the speakers highlighted.

Speakers said China's expansionist policy and ambition for territory are going against the peace and tranquility of South Asia and SE Asia.

"The present Government headed by PM Sheikh Hasina is working to solve the problems regarding Covid- 19 and we are cooperating," a speaker participating in the  rally said.

There are irregularities in some cases and hope it will be solved, they said.

A medical team from China is currently on visit to Bangladesh.

"We know in last few years our medical systems have been developed to give services to the people. A section of the people is going outside for treatment. In most of the cases, they are going to India for treatment and few people are going to Singapore, Bangkok, USA and Europe. So, we don't need Chinese team's expertise, rather they didn't go for quarantine on arrival which is against health protocol," a speaker said.