Bangladesh PM salutes Indians who died in 1971 war

New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday paid tributes to Indian soldiers who died in the Liberation War of 1971 that gave birth to her country.

The visiting Prime Minister said she was grateful to the people and the government of India for their contribution to her country's liberation.

"I am grateful to the government and people of India for their contribution to Bangladesh's war of Independence. Many Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives... We will always remember them with gratitude," Hasina said at an event in the Manekshaw Centre here.

Manekshaw Centre is named after S.H.F.J. Manekshaw, who headed the Indian Army in the 1971 war.

Hasina honoured the kin of Lance Naik Albert Ekka (Param Vir Chakra), Maj. Anup Singh Gahlaut (Maha Vir Chakra), Subedar Malkiat Singh (Maha Vir Chakra) and Sepoy Anusuya Prasad (Maha Vir Chakra), Lt. Samir Das, Squadron Leader A.B. Samanta and Lance Naik Mohini Ranjan Chakraborty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, said it was an occasion to also remember the thousands killed in Bangladesh by the Pakistani Army and its militia allies.

"It is also a time to remember the cruel attack on Bangladesh that took thousands of lives. I thank Bangladesh for this emotional initiative," Modi said.

He also said a whole generation, including himself, was influenced by the life of founding father of Bangladesh, 'Bangbandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rehman.

Sheikh Hasina also visited an exhibition at the venue on the war and met veterans who had served in the war which led to the break up of then East Pakistan and the formation of an independent Bangladesh.