'Indira protected us like guardians'

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Dhaka, July 25 (bdnews24.com) – Recalling the contribution of late Indira Gandhi to the Liberation War in 1971, prime minister Sheikh Hasina says India not only gave asylum to the refugees from Bangladesh, but also supported in diplomacy – politically and strategically.

After handing over 'Swadhinata Sommanona' (Bangladesh Freedom Honour) to her daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi on her behalf on Monday, Hasina said, "We are delighted to arrange such a programme."

"After the assassination of my father and family members in 1975," Hasina said, "Indira Gandhi protected us like guardians."

The prime minister said, "Indira Gandhi raised consensus across the world for Bangladesh. We will remember the contribution of India in the Liberation War."

She also paid homage to the martyrs of Indian army during the war.

Sonia, president of the Indian National Congress party, received the country's highest civilian award from president Zillur Rahman at the Bangabhaban around 6pm in presence of a number of cabinet members, senior government officials and distinguished guests.

Cabinet secretary Abdul Aziz read out the award citation.

Born on Nov 19, 1917, Indira was assassinated on Oct 31, 1984. She was elected prime minister four times from 1966 until her assassination.

During the 1971 war, besides accommodating Bangladeshi refugees, India also extended diplomatic and military assistance to the interim Mujibnagar government.

Indira also played a key role in the global arena for winning recognition to Bangladesh after the war. She visited several countries to campaign for Bangladesh despite protests from the US.

Daughter of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira also facilitated the government of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first president of independent Bangladesh.

The government on March 7 decided to honour 45 heads of states, including Indira, distinguished personalities and five organisations ahead of the country's 40th anniversary of independence.

To honour foreigners, Bangladesh government gives away three awards — Swadhinata Sommanona, Muktijuddho Sommanona and Muktijuddho Moitri Sommanona.

The president in his speech said, "It's an occasion that would certainly be written in golden letters in the history of both the nations."

Calling Indira a 'towering personality', he said her "contribution in our War of Liberation was very distinct, critical and singular. By her political wisdom and vision, she influenced the course of history and fate of generations."

In her brief speech, Sonia recalled Indira and said that she was proud to receive the award, which was for the whole of India, not for Indira alone.

She also hoped that the bilateral relations between the countries would get stronger.

Sonia also praised the Bangladesh government, saying the country was moving ahead of India in education, women empowerment, public health and sanitation. Bangladesh achieved economic and social progress faster than anyone thought at the time of its birth, she said.

[Maximus]

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[Maximus]

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[krldr871]

mari bangladesh nunchi terror outfits digutayi antaru kada mana desam lo ki..avi aapachu ga antha abhimanam unte  &D_@@ &D_@@ &D_@@

[Deletedid1]

[quote author=John Galt link=topic=216554.msg2664390#msg2664390 date=1311693351]
mari bangladesh nunchi terror outfits digutayi antaru kada mana desam lo ki..avi aapachu ga antha abhimanam unte  &D_@@ &D_@@ &D_@@
[/quote]

Klaeeda Zia is wife of ZIa ur rehman.......... who killed Mizibbur rehman baa....... so she was pro PAK

but current PM sheik hasina is pro India....... she is doing her best to control terrorism

[I hate caste......]

[quote author=BENZBABU link=topic=216554.msg2664610#msg2664610 date=1311696540]
Klaeeda Zia is wife of ZIa ur rehman.......... who killed Mizibbur rehman baa....... so she was pro PAK

but current PM sheik hasina is pro India....... she is doing her best to control terrorism
[/quote]

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