Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership and contribution of the Indian army in Bangladesh’s 1971 freedom war as he joined President Abdul Hamid and his counterpart Sheikh Hasina in celebrating the country’s 50 years of independence here. He also presented the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020, being conferred by India upon Bangladesh’s ‘Father of the Nation’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to his daughters – Premier Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana.
Speaking at the 50th National Day programme of Bangladesh at the National Parade Square, PM Modi said it was an honour for India to confer Gandhi Peace Prize on Mujibur Rahman.
“This is one of the most memorable days of my life. I am grateful that Bangladesh has included me in this event. I am grateful that Bangladesh has invited India to take part in this function. It is a matter of our pride that we got the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Gandhi Peace Prize,” said Modi.
PM Modi said that India is very happy that Made in India (COVID-19) vaccines are being used by our brothers and sisters of Bangladesh
The Prime Minister said, “I would like to remind brothers & sisters in Bangladesh with pride, being involved in the struggle for independence of Bangladesh was one of the first movements of my life. I must have been 20-22 years old when I and my colleagues did Satyagraha for Bangladesh’s freedom.”
PM Narendra Modi also announced Swarna Jayanti scholarship for youths of Bangladesh.
“The pictures of atrocities that the Pakistan Army inflicted on the people here used to distract us. For many days those pictures didn’t let us sleep,” said PM Modi at Dhaka.
“On completion of 50 years of relationship between India and Bangladesh, I would like to invite 50 entrepreneurs of Bangladesh to visit India and join our start-up and innovation ecosystem and meet our venture capitalists,” the Prime Minister said.
“Today in Bangladesh, the blood of those who fought for their liberation and the blood of Indian soldiers are flowing together. This blood will form such a relationship that will not break down under any type of pressure and will not fall prey to any kind of diplomacy,” said PM Modi.
“Today I also salute the brave soldiers of Indian Army who stood with brothers and sisters of Bangladesh in ‘Muktijuddho’. I am happy that many Indian soldiers who participated in Bangladesh Liberation War are present at this event today,” said PM Modi at Dhaka
Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina lauded India’s contribution in Bangladesh’s evolution process during 1971 liberation war.
“India is not only our next door neighbour, we have a historical, social, cultural heritage and geographical rapport. The people and govt of India were immensely involved the evolution process of Bangladesh during our liberation war in 1971,” Sheikh Hasina said.
“We always remember India’s contribution in our independence war,” said Sheikh Hasina
Notably, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself reached Dhaka airport to welcome PM Modi. PM Sheikh Hasina welcomed her counterpart by giving him a bouquet of flowers. During this time the most special thing was that PM Modi was welcomed by playing the national anthem of India on the land of Bangladesh.