DHAKA: President Abdul Hamid Sunday said Bangladesh feels honored awarding former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Bajpayee.

He was speaking at the award giving ceremony at Bangabhaban, President’s residence-cum-office, at noon.

On behalf of former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, visiting Indian premier Narendra Modi received Friends of Bangladesh Liberation War Award from Bangladesh President.

In the speech before handing over the award, the President said “I am happy to hand over the award to you (Modi). And we would have been even more pleased if Vajpayee could receive this honor in person”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Modi also spoke the function.

Prior to that, Modi has met President Abdul Hamid at the latter’s residence-cum-office Bangabhaban in city.

The India premier left Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel around 12:30pm and arrived at Bangabhaban around 12:40pm.

On the arrival of Modi, the President warmly received him there.

Earlier in the morning, the India PM visited the Ramakrishna Mission and Dhakeshwari National Temple in city.

Modi offered puja at both places and exchanged greetings with the priests and devotees for a while.

However, he also inaugurated the New Chancery Complex of the Indian High Commission to Dhaka in city’s Baridhara area, planted a sapling of Bakul flower on its premises, unveiled the plaque for Grant-in-Aid projects there and handed over the key of an ambulance to Bangladesh government.

BDST: 1410 HRS, JUN 7, 2015
RS/SMS