Departure brings grief to India: Pranab

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday expressed his ‘heartfelt’ condolence at the death of President Md. Zillur Rahman, saying the leader’s demise brought ‘grief to us in India.’

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 20 March 2013, 11:15 AM
Updated : 20 March 2013, 11:23 AM

President Rahman died on Wednesday at a Singapore hospital ending a colourful life. He was 84.

In a condolence message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he recalled Rahman’s ‘long and distinguished years’ of altruistic service to the people and country.

He conveyed deepest condolences and prayed ‘to give strength to the bereaved to bear this tragic loss.’

In his message Pranab said because of the veteran politician’s departure ‘the people of Bangladesh have lost a man of vision and a true son of the soil, who rose to the highest office.’

Pranab recalled his meetings and discussions with Rahman during his visit in Dhaka this month.

He received the ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honour’ from Rahman for his role in the nation’s struggle for independence in 1971.

The Indian President said, “I was deeply touched by his nobility, his feelings of friendship and goodwill towards India and the extraordinary warmth of his hospitality and large heartedness.”

The two Presidents were the Member of the Parliament in their countries in 1971.
In a separate message to his son, Pranab recalled Rahman as his friend.

A veteran politician, Rahman was Awami League Presidium Member before being elected uncontested as the country's 19th President on Feb 12, 2009.

Born on Mar 9, 1929 at Bhairab Upazila in Kishoreganj, Rahman joined politics as a student.

He played a significant role in the historic Language Movement in 1952 and the country’s Liberation War.