Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday landed in Dhaka on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first international trip since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic last year. After receiving the ceremonial guard of honour at the airport, PM Modi visited the National Martyr's memorial at Savar, Dhaka and paid homage to those who died in the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence. He also planted a sapling of the Arjuna tree there.
"I pay my heartfelt tribute to the patriot martyrs of Bangladesh, whose glorious sacrifices enabled the birth of this great nation," PM Modi said in his message in the visitors' book at the memorial.
Narendra Modi Bangladesh Visit | HIGHLIGHTS
PM Narendra Modi at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also present.
SHEIKH HASINA'S ADDRESS: HIGHLIGHTS
- "I extend my heartiest thanks to PM Narendra Modi who has consented to grace this occasion even amidst this pandemic"
- "India has now become one of our best development partners."
- "In our independence war, we always remember the contribution of India. PM Narendra Modi has graced this occasion, being physically present here as a Guest of Honour. We are honoured to have him here."
- "I thank govt of India & PM Modi in particular for awarding prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Sheikh Mujibur Rehman. On this very auspicious moment, I must say India indeed honoured a worthy leader of south Asia & a real follower of Gandhi ji through this award."
- "Govt of India was beside us during our good & bad times. This time India hands over 109 Ambulances for people of Bangladesh. I extend my heartiest thanks to PM Modi, his govt & people of India. Before that India had cooperated with us & gifted us vaccines for COVID."
PM MODI'S ADDRESS: HIGHLIGHTS
PM Narendra Modi wears a 'Mujib Jacket' as he pays tribute to Bangladesh's Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at a programme in Dhaka.
- "It is a matter of pride for Indians that we got the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Gandhi Peace Prize"
- "Today I also salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who stood with brothers & sisters of Bangladesh in 'Muktijuddho'. I am happy that many Indian soldiers who participated in the Bangladesh Liberation War are present at this event today."
- "Today in Bangladesh, the blood of those who fought for their liberation & 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 &will not fall prey to any kind of diplomacy."
- "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. I am announcing 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."
- "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&my colleagues did Satyagraha for Bangladesh's freedom."
- "India is very happy that Made in India (COVID-19) vaccines are being used by our brothers and sisters of Bangladesh"
- "We must remember that we've similar opportunities in fields of trade & commerce, but at the same time, we've similar threats like terrorism. The ideas & powers behind such types of inhumane acts are still active. We must remain vigilant & united to counter them."
- "Both nations have the power of democracy & vision for the future. It is necessary for the region that India and Bangladesh progress together. That is why Indian and Bangladeshi governments are making meaningful efforts in this direction."
Sheikh Rehana, the younger daughter of Bangladesh's Father of Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, receives Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 which has been conferred upon him posthumously.
PM Narendra Modi, with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, arrives at National Parade Ground in Dhaka to take in National Day programme.
PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen hold talks in Dhaka.
PM Modi meets political leaders of Bangladesh
PM Narendra Modi meets political leaders from 14-party alliance along with convener. Discussions centred on diverse issues of our bilateral relations.
PM Modi meeting political leaders of Bangladesh.
PM Modi's message at National Martyrs' Memorial
"I pay my heartfelt tribute to the patriot martyrs of Bangladesh, whose glorious sacrifices enabled the birth of this great nation," PM Modi said in his message in the visitors' book at National Martyrs' Memorial in Dhaka.
PM Modi visits National Martyrs' Memorial in Dhaka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited National Martyrs' Memorial, Savar in Dhaka. PM Modi also planted a sapling here.
PM Modi exchanges pleasantries with Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Dhaka on the newly-inducted custom-made Boeing 777 aircraft. He wore his mask before alighting from the aircraft and exchanging pleasantries with Sheikh Hasina. He received a guard of honour at the airport.
PM Modi arrives in Bangladesh
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Dhaka on Friday on a two-day visit to Bangladesh during which he will attend the celebrations of the golden jubilee of the country's independence, the birth centenary of Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and hold talks with his counterpart Sheikh Hasina.
PM Modi leaves for Bangladesh on two-day visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Bangladesh on Friday on a two-day visit during which he will take part in a wide range of programmes aimed at furthering cooperation between the two countries.
Prior to his departure, Prime Minister Modi said that he looks forward to having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He will also call on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during the visit. "I look forward to my participation at the National Day celebrations tomorrow, which will also commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions," he said in a tweet.
The Prime Minister is also looking forward to visiting Bangabandhu's Samadhi in Tungipara to pay his respects.
"I am particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Sri Harichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message. I will be having substantive discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following our very productive virtual meeting in December last year. I also look forward to my meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," he said.
He added, "My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh's remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visionary leadership, but also to commit India's abiding support for these achievements. I will also express India's support and solidarity for Bangladesh's fight against COVID-19."
Bangladesh Foreign Minister on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh welcome the visit of Prime Minister Modi.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society.
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