BSS-41Vajpayee, a great friend of Bangladesh: PM

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Vajpayee, a great friend of Bangladesh: PM

DHAKA, Aug 16, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed deep shock at the demise of former Indian Premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee, terming him as a great friend of Bangladesh.

“Atal Bihari Vajpayee was our great friend and highly respected in Bangladesh,” Sheikh Hasina said in a condolence message sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We are deeply shocked at the sad demise of the former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of the most famous sons of India,” she added.

The premier said Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be remembered for his contributions towards good governance and highlighting issues affecting the common people of India as well as for regional peace and prosperity.

“His tireless works for the welfare of the people of India will inspire future generations of leaders. An excellent orator and a poet Shri Vajpayee took significant strides towards acceleration of inclusive economic growth in India,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said as a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to the Liberation War in 1971, the Bangladesh government conferred on him the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour.

“Today is certainly a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh,” she said.

On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh and on her own behalf, the prime minister expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the government and the mourning people of India as well as to the members of the bereaved family.

“We pray for the eternal peace of his soul,” she said.

Vajpayee, also a senior BJP politician, passed away at All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Thursday at the age of 93.

The 10th Prime Minister of India had been suffering from kidney-related ailments and was admitted to the AIIMS on June 11.

BSS/SH/KU/2106 HRS