Pranab lauds Bangladesh’s progress at president’s dinner
Terming India “a tested friend” of Bangladesh in the light of history, President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday said relations with India, especially in trade and investment, is also increasing gradually. He made the remark while former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee paid pre-dinner courtesy call at Bangabhaban Wednesday evening. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several cabinet ministers and some members of parliament (MPs), senior high officials also attended dinner hosted by President Hamid. During the meeting, President Hamid recalled the outstanding contribution of India to Bangladesh during the Liberation War in 1971 with gratitude, President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB after the meeting. Former Indian President lauded the tremendous development of Bangladesh saying that he was really impressed seeing the overall development and progress of the country. He said that being the President of India, he first visited Bangladesh. And now he is visiting Bangladesh first after completion of his tenure as Indian President, the press secretary quoted Pranab as telling. About his ongoing visit, Pranab Mukherjee said that he is very much impressed with the hospitability of people of Bangladesh. He also praised seeing that the memory of Masterda Surya Sen has been preserved properly in Chittagong, the President’s Press Secretary said. Former Indian President hoped that Bangladesh would go forward further with development and advancement in the days to come. State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Pranab’s daughter Sharmishtha Mukherjee and secretaries concerned were present there. Earlier President Hamid welcomed his former Indian counterpart at Bangabhaban, his official residence at around 7:30 pm.