'We are honouring ourselves through honouring Vajpayee': Bangladesh PM Hasina

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday paid tribute to former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recalled his contribution during her country's Liberation War.

"We are honouring ourselves through honouring him," Prime Minister Hasina said during her speech at the award ceremony in Bangabhaban here.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister also said that as a politician Vajpayee's unstinting support to the country played an important role in mobilising support for their cause

"I am not afraid of defeat and victory, whatever comes my way of duty, I will accept it, because this is true and that is true," she said while quoting Vajpayee.

Prime Minister Modi earlier in his address said that it was a matter of pride for the people of India that Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being honoured for his contribution to the Bangladesh Liberation War.

He also said that it would have been wonderful if Vajpayee had been present to receive this honour himself.

He expressed hope that Vajpayee would soon become well, and guide everyone once again.

Prime Minister Modi said that though he had entered politics quite late, he had been one of the many youth activists who had come to Delhi in response to Vajpayee's call for satyagraha for the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Prime Minister Modi also recalled the immortal words of Vajpayee, who, in a speech in Parliament on December 6, 1971, had said that the friendship between India and Bangladesh was like a bond which would not break under any pressure, and would never be the victim of any diplomacy.