Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the National Day programme of Bangladesh, in Dhaka, Bangladesh on March 26, 2021. The President of Bangladesh, Md. Abdul Hamid, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms. Sheikh Hasina and other dignitaries are also seen. (PIB)
Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of his Bangladesh visit attended Bangladesh’s National Day ceremony , visited National Martyrs’ Memorial, met various political and society leaders on Friday.
He attended the National Day ceremony, the main engagement of his visit, wearing a “Mujib Jacket” as tribute to Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
PM Modi addressed the function in the presence of Bangladesh’s President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina; Sheikh Rehana, younger daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; Chief Coordinator of the National Implementation Committee for the Celebration of Mujib Borsho, Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and other dignitaries at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 posthumously conferred to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Sheikh Rehana, younger daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman accompanied by her sister Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This award was conferred in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his address in which he thanked all the dignitaries, highlighted the significance of this occasion and touched upon various facets of bilateral relationship of the two countries. Following the address, Sheikh Rehana, presented the ‘Eternal Mujib Memento’ to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Here is the video of PM Modi’s speech at the function:
(Narendra Modi You Tube Channel)
The President of Bangladesh, Mohammad Abdul Hamid delivered his speech and thanked Prime Minister and People of India and lauded the role and efforts undertaken by India in the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her address also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending this event physically despite the COVID 19 pandemic. She appreciated the support of Government of India to Bangladesh during all the times.
Before attending the National Day celebrations, PM Modi had many engagements:
National Martyrs’ Memorial Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, soon after his arrival on a two day visit to Bangladesh visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial (JatiyoSritiShoudho), the National monument of Bangladesh to pay tributes to the valour and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The monument is located in Savar, about 35 km north-west of Dhaka and was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain.
Prime Minister also planted sapling of Arjun tree at the memorial premises and signed the visitor’s book in the monument. He wrote – “I pray that the eternal flame at Savar remains a lasting reminder of the noble victory of truth and courage over deceit and oppression.”
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh calls on PM
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr A.K. Abdul Momen called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the historic two-day visit of Prime Minister to Bangladesh. Both the Leaders reflected on deepening the fraternal ties and strengthening the all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that transcends a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Meeting with Alliance Parties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh met Political leaders from 14 Party Alliance along with the Convener. Discussions centred on diverse issues of bilateral relations were held during the meeting to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Bangladesh’s community leaders meet PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh met the Community leaders including Representatives of Minorities in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi Mukhtijoddhas, Friends of India and Youth Icons. (PW News)
