PM pays tribute to martyrs of Bangladesh Liberation War

Dhaka, Sep 6: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh began his visit to Bangladesh by paying rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War at the national memorial here, his first stop in the Bangladeshi capital.

Singh, who arrived here on a two-day visit today (Sep 6), drove straight to Savar, 35km from Dhaka, where he offered floral tributes to those who laid down their lives in fighting for Bangladesh's independence from Pakistani occupation in 1971.

"I pay homage all the brave heroes whose fearless struggle and sacrifice led to birth of a great nation, Bangladesh," Singh wrote in the visitors' book at the memorial.

Army bugles played the last post as the national flag was unfurled, lowered to half mast and then unfurled again as part of the ceremonial mourning during which Singh stood in solemn silence.

He offered wreaths on the altar of the structure to pay homage to the fighters of the Liberation War, who were backed by India 40 years ago.

Singh also planted a sapling of carambola, a fruit bearing tree, at the memorial premises where he was accompanied by minister in waiting, food minister Abdur Razzak, state minister for Liberation War Affairs Tajul Islam and state minister for works Abdul Mannan.

Parliamentarians Benjir Ahmed and Murad Jang received Singh along with army commander of the area Major General Ashraful Islam.

Singh and and his wife Gursharan Kaur were earlier accorded a grand welcome at the airport where they were warmly received by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before two children presented bouquets to him.

Singh was then presented a guard of honour by the three contingents of Bangladesh army, air force and navy.

PTI