Pranab Mukherjee loved Bangladesh with all his heart

Dhaka: The former president of India, Pranab Mukherjee, was a true friend of Bangladesh. He loved Bangladesh and the people of this country with all his heart.

He has also literally left his signature.

This was his first overseas trip to Bangladesh since the first Bengali President of India was elected in 2012. Pranab Mukherjee arrived in Dhaka as President of India on a three-day visit to Bangladesh from March 3-5, 2013. He also made his first overseas visit to Bangladesh after stepping down as president.

Pranab Mukherjee contributed to the great liberation war in Bangladesh. Pranab Mukherjee was then a young member of the Rajya Sabha. This young Bengali politician was actively involved in gaining recognition of India from the expatriate government of Bangladesh during the liberation war. It played a role not only in India but also abroad in shaping public opinion in favor of Bangladesh. Pranab Mukherjee also received the Liberation War Prize in 2013 awarded to foreign friends by Bangladesh for his contribution to the liberation war.

When Pranab visited Bangladesh as president, the University of Dhaka awarded him an honorary doctorate. Pranab Mukherjee’s wife, Shuvra Mukhopadhyay, was born in Narail, Bangladesh. Upon arriving in Dhaka as president, she visited her father-in-law’s home in Narail.

After stepping down as president, he visited Bangladesh in 2016. During this time, Chittagong University awarded him the honorary title of D.Litt. As the leader of Congress, the ancient and traditional political party of the subcontinent, he held various central ministries in the congressional government at different times. He has visited Bangladesh more than once during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance.

Pranab Mukherjee also had a close personal relationship with the Bangabandhu family. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana were deported to India on August 15, 1975 after the murder of the Father of the Bangabandhu Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. During this time, Pranab Mukherjee kept in contact with them all the time and cooperated with them.

In a message of condolence following the death of Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: “Pranab Mukherjee has always supported us.” He would take care of my family in difficult times and would come and accompany my younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, and us in case of any need. Even after returning to the country, Pranab Mukherjee has provided support and encouragement. He is our guardian and friend of the family. It has given value in any crisis.

Bangladesh Time: 02:30 AM, September 1, 2020
SK / MUM / MKR