I was also arrested in support of Bangladesh's independence, it was the first movement of my life: PM Modi

Dhaka, Ta. March 26, 2021, Friday

The neighboring country is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived this morning in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, as the chief guest.

Speaking at an event held at the National Parade Square in Dhaka, he said there was a movement in India for the independence of Bangladesh. Getting involved was the first movement of my life. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's contribution to Bangladesh's independence is undeniable. I will be 20-22 years old when some of my friends satyagraha for the freedom of the people of Bangladesh. May was also arrested and imprisoned in support of independence.

My brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, I would like to proudly remind the young generation here that joining the struggle for the independence of Bangladesh was one of the first movements of my life. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a ray of hope for the people of Bangladesh and Indians. Bangabandhu's leadership was determined that no force could enslave Bangladesh. In the meantime an authoritarian government had massacred and crushed its own people.

It is a matter of pride for me to have the opportunity to honor Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with the Gandhi Peace Prize. Bangabandhu Sheikh is considered to be the father of Bangladesh. The Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award given by the Government of India since 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

It is a pleasant coincidence that the 50 years of Bangladesh's independence and the 75 years of India's independence have come together. The next 25 years of travel in the 21st century are important for both of us. Our heritage and development are also shared.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was given the Gandhi Peace Prize
PM Modi also posthumously honored Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with the Gandhi Peace Prize. He remembered Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by handing over the award to the youngest daughter of PM Sheikh Hussain and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "Relations between the two countries are getting stronger," Modi said here. I am very happy to be given this honor.

It may be mentioned that the committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unanimously selected Bangabandhu Seth Mujibur Rahman for the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020. The Gandhi Shanti Puraskar is an annual award established by the Government of India since 1995 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.