Bangladesh will always remember Pranab Mukherjee for his steadfast support, Sheikh Hasina writes to PM Modi

“I’m profoundly saddened to receive news of the demise of former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. My thoughts and prayers are with the family members in this hour of grief,” she said in the letter.

“The tireless work of ‘Bharat Ratna’ Pranab Mukherjee for the welfare of the people of India will inspire the future generation of leaders not only in India but across countries in the region,” she said.

Hasina referred to Mukherjee as a 'true friend of Bangladesh' who was highly revered and loved by the people of her country.

"His (Pranab Mukherjee) steadfast support and contribution to strengthening the relations between the two countries, especially during his tenure as the 13th President of India, will always be remembered with the deepest respect,” she said.

She also remembered Mukherjee's "valuable contribution" during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh and my behalf, I express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the government and the people of India on the irreparable loss of this veteran leader … we pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul,” she said.

Meanwhile, reports said that Bangladesh has announced one-day national mourning on Wednesday in honour of Pranab Mukherjee.

The country's national flag will be flown half-mast on that day.

The former India president passed away here at Army R&R Army Hospital on Monday, after prolonged illness. He was 84.

Mukherjee was admitted in the hospital on August 10 in a critical condition. He had a large brain clot, for which he underwent an emergency life-saving surgery. He was also found to be suffering from COVID-19.