PM Modi reaches Bangladesh in first overseas visit since COVID-19 outbreak

Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Friday on a two-day visit to take part in the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh's independence and the birth centenary of ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

As the Prime Minister touched down, he was received by his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Later, he was accorded Guard of Honour upon his arrival.

Notably, this is the Prime Minister's first foreign visit after the onset of Covid pandemic.Mr Modi is scheduled to take part in various programmes and strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

Mr Modi on Thursday had expressed happiness for his visit and said that India's partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of Neighbourhood First policy. "We are committed to further deepen and diversify it," he said.

As the Prime Minister touched down, he was received by his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. A red carpet was rolled out to welcome the Premier. Later, a salute of 19 guns and Guard of Honour was accorded to him upon his arrival.

"Landed in Dhaka. I thank PM Sheikh Hasina for the special welcome at the airport. This visit will contribute to even stronger bilateral relations between our nations," Mr Modi tweeted.Notably, this is the Prime Minister's first foreign visit after the onset of Covid pandemic.

After a warm welcome at the airport, Mr Modi left for the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay rich tributes to the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Mr Modi on Thursday had expressed happiness for his visit and said that India's partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of Neighbourhood First policy. "We are committed to further deepen and diversify it," he said.

After paying tributes at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, Mr Modi will visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32, to pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In the afternoon, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will call on the Indian premier at Hotel Sonargaon. Later, Mr Modi will join the celebration program marking the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence Day as a guest of honor at the National Parade Square. President Md. Abdul Hamid will be present at the celebration as the chief guest while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will preside over.

In the evening, Mr Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the ‘Bangabandhu-Bapu Museum’ jointly with Bangladesh Premier at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center. Later, he will attend a state banquet arranged in his honor.Mr Modi will leave Dhaka in the evening on March 27(UNI)