Vajpayee was conferred Bangladesh Liberation War Honour by the country

New Delhi, Aug 16: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was not only popular in India but was also admired in the neighbouring countries. Despite animosity with Pakistan, he was popular among people of Pakistan. Similarly he was so popular in Bangladesh that the Bangladesh government had conferred on him the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour in 2015.

So on the demise of the former PM, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her deep shock.

At a condolence message to Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, she says: "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. He will be remembered for contributing towards good governance and for highlighting issues affecting the common people of India as well as for regional peace and prosperity."

She said that his tireless work for the welfare of the people of India will inspire future generations of leaders. An excellent orator and a poet Vajpayee took significant strides towards acceleration of inclusive economic growth in India.

She said, "Vajpayee was the great friend of Bangladesh and highly respected person in Bangladesh. As a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to our Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh Government conferred on him the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour. Today is certainly a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh."

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Government and the mourning people of India, and to the members of the bereaved family. We pray for the eternal peace of his soul," she added