President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed profound shock and sorrow at former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s death, calling him a sincere and real friend of Bangladesh.
“He (Mukherjee) was a sincere and real friend of our country,” President Hamid said in a condolence statement on Monday particularly recalling his 1971 role in mobilising international supports for Bangladesh’s independence, reports BSS.
The President said Mukherjee’s role had worked in quickening the final victory in the Liberation War.
He said Mukharjee played an important role in creating public opinion in the international arena favouring Bangladesh’s freedom struggle.
“His (Pranab) death is really an irreparable loss to the political arena in the subcontinent,” President Hamid added.
The head of the state prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Meanwhile, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described Pranab Mukherjee as a ‘true friend’ of Bangladesh and guardian like figure to her family.
“The news of Mr Pranab Mukherjee’s demise deeply saddened her . . . she became emotional and nostalgic as she reminisced her many memories with him,” the press secretary said.
Sheikh Hasina, he said, also recalled Pranab’s ‘outstanding and unforgettable’ contributions to the country’s 1971 Liberation War as a politician and real well-wisher.
“I always recall with profound respect his invaluable contributions to our Liberation War,” she said, also terming him as a celebrated politician of the sub-continent.
The premier said Mukherjee always extended his cooperation to her family while they were in exile in India following the August 15, 1975 killing of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“In such a bad time Pranab Mukherjee always enquired about my family and stood beside us in any of our necessity,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said she also got Mukherjee’s cooperation and encouragement even after her return to Bangladesh.
“He (Pranab Mukherjee) is our guardian and family friend and he always provided courage to us in any crisis,” she said.
The prime minister said with Mukherjee’s demise India lost a learned and patriotic leader, while Bangladesh lost a nearest person.
“He (Pranab Mukherjee) will remain alive as a glittering star in the politics of the subcontinent,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina prayed for salvation of departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.
India’s former president Pranab Mukherjee, who was under treatment at a hospital, died on Monday at the age of 84.
