Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour award that was conferred to former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is a pride for his country.
After receiving the award from President Abdul Hamid, on behalf of Vajpayee, Modi said this in his speech delivered at Bangabhaban.
Vajpayee was awarded for his contribution in Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
Modi arrived at Bangabhaban around 12:40pm on Sunday and his Bangladesh counterpart Hamid greeted him.
“A warmth that brings two neighbours together. PM @narendramodi and President Abdul Hamid confer at Bangabhawan,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.
“A friend is honoured. PM Sheikh Hasina speaking at Award of Liberation War Honour to Former PM Vajpayee," Swarup also tweeted.
He will also attend a luncheon hosted by the president.
In the afternoon, PM Modi will meet a number of political and business leaders including Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
He will then address the Indian community at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the evening before leaving for New Delhi.
