Dhaka, 9 February 2019:

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen met with former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at his residence here on Saturday, 09 February 2019 to personally congratulate him on his being honoured with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.

Pranab Mukherjee expressed his deep appreciation of the love and respect he has received from the people of Bangladesh and from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He lauded Bangladesh’s rapid and fantastic economic development achieved under the dynamic leadership of Sheikh Hasina. Today’s Bangladesh is an example of how a wise and determined leadership (of Sheikh Hasina) can take a nation to the path of sustainable economic progress and achievements, he said.

Pranab Mukherjee said the world has seen the humanity at its best after Sheikh Hasina showed the courage to provide shelter to the persecuted Rohingyas fleeing from Myanmar.

“I keep watching with interest the developments in your country,” he said recalling some of the happy events involving Bangladesh during his long political career.

Foreign Minister Momen told Pranab Mukherjee how deeply Bangladeshis regard him as a true Friend of Bangladesh. “We are grateful to you for your love, compassion and understanding you have for the people of Bangladesh,” he said.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali and foreign minister’s wife Mrs. Selina Momen were present during the 40-minute meeting.