Bangladesh holds APJ Abdul Kalam in ‘high esteem’, foreign minister says

Former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam had been “a revered statesman, a great scientist, a gifted writer and an inspiring philosopher”.

“In Bangladesh he is held in high esteem,” Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali wrote in the condolence book on Wednesday.

Kalam passed away on Monday night after a massive heart attack he suffered while delivering a speech at the IIM-Shillong.

“With his passing away, we have lost a well-wisher and a friend,” the foreign minister wrote.

He conveyed “heartfelt condolences” to the people of India and his bereaved family on behalf of Bangladesh.

India is observing a seven-day mourning on the death of its 11th President, who was also known as the ‘Missile Man’ for his key role in the India’s guided missile development programme.

But, above all, he loved to interact with youths, motivating them as part of his advocacy plan to make India a developed nation by 2020.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka said leader of the opposition Raushon Ershad, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations in Dhaka, representatives of various political parties, media, business, and general people signed the condolence book.

Jatiya Party chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad, BNP's Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Lt Gen (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman also signed the condolence book, among others.

The book will remain open from 10am to 5pm on Thursday.