Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Award of Liberation War Honour on behalf of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He gave a speech at Bangabhawan in the presence of Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. Here are the highlights:
- This day is a matter of pride for the people of India.
- An inspiration for so many people like me, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being honoured by Bangladesh.
- Had Atalji's health permitted and he was present here, this occasion would be very different.
- When Jan Sangha under Vajpayee organised Satyagraha for Liberation War, I came to Delhi as a volunteer.
- Liberation War was full of pride for the people of Bangladesh and every Indian wanted this dream to be realised.
- I was also among those who whole-heartedly wanted this dream to be realised.