Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visiting Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex at Tungipara.
This marked the first-ever visit by any foreign Head of State or Head of Government to pay homage at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex.
Prime Minister Modi planted a Bakul sapling there to commemorate this historic event.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by her sister Sheikh Rehana, was also present.
After laying the wreath, Narendra Modi stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of Bangladesh’s independence.
A special munajat, seeking eternal peace of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage and martyrs of the Liberation War, was also offered.
Prime Minister Modi signed the visitors’ book at the Mausoleum complex.
“The life of Bangabandhu epitomised the freedom of struggle of the people of Bangladesh for their rights, for the preservation of their inclusive culture and their identity,” Modi wrote.
He also mentioned, “His indomitable spirit and fortitude inspired millions, who emerged victorious dispite challenging circumstances.”
On behalf of the people of India who revere Bangabandhu as a hero, Modi said, “I pay humble homage to this great statesman of the 20th century. Bangabandhu is etched in the collective memory of the subcontinent, whose history he reshaped through the sheer force of his commitment and sacrifice.”
“In this historic Mujib Borsho, I am confident that his eternal message of equality, freedom, justice, and inclusion will continue to guide our thoughts and actions.”
Prime Minister Modi started the second day of his two-day visit to Bangladesh by taking the blessings of Goddess Kali.
He performed pooja at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Shaktipeeth in Satkhira, which is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition.
The Prime Minister also placed handmade mukut, made of silver with gold plating on Goddess Kali.
This mukut was handmade over three weeks by a local artisan.
Extending a hand of friendship, the Prime Minister announced grant for the construction of a community hall-cum- cyclone shelter attached to the temple.
This structure would be used by the devotees during the Annual Kali Pooja and Mela of the temple and would also be used by broader community of all faiths as a storm shelter and community facility.
He had interactions with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Harichandra Thakur disseminated his pious message.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have “substantive discussions” in the afternoon with focus on trade, connectivity and Covid-19 cooperation.
The two South Asian countries, celebrating 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations, want to “progress together with others” in the region at a “faster pace”.
The Indian Prime Minister said the next 25 years will be “crucial” for both the countries – Bangladesh and India.
Prime Minister Hasina will have a one-to-one meeting with her Indian counterpart at the Prime Minister’s Office before having delegation-level talks at the PMO.
In a pre-arrival statement, Modi said he will be having “substantive discussions” with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following their very productive virtual meeting in December last year.
They will jointly inaugurate some joint projects virtually and witness the signing of MoUs between the two countries after the talks.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Dhaka on Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and together celebrated Mujib Borsho-the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence.
Modi will meet President Abdul Hamid before leaving Dhaka by a special flight on Saturday evening.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen will see him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
