PM Modi hands over Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s younger daughter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today handed over the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s younger daughter. Addressing the Bangladesh National Day programme in Dhaka, Mr Modi said that it is a matter of pride for all Indians that we got the opportunity to honour Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Gandhi Peace Prize. 

He said that we salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who stood with the brothers and sisters of Bangladesh in the ‘Muktijuddho’- Liberation War of Bangladesh. Mr. Modi said that during the liberation war of Bangladesh, the bloods of Bangladesh and Indian soldiers flowed together. This blood will form such a relationship that will never break down or fall in any situation in the future.

 

Prime Minister Modi also announced the Swarna Jayanti scholarship for youths of Bangladesh. The Swarna Jayanti Fellowship is a research fellowship awarded annually by the Department of Science and Technology of India. It is given for the notable and outstanding research by young scientists, applied or



fundamental, in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, medicine and physics. Referring to the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relationship between India and Bangladesh, Mr. Modi also announced to invite 50 entrepreneurs of Bangladesh to visit India and join start-up initiative and meet Indian venture capitalists.

Remembering the struggle of Independence by Bangladeshi people, Prime Minister Modi also shared his personal contribution during that struggle. He said that the struggle for independence of Bangladesh was one of the first movements that he participated in. He said that he was 20 or 22 years old when he and his colleagues had organized Satyagraha for Bangladesh's freedom. 

 

Mr. Modi said that India and Bangladesh have similar opportunities in the fields of trade and commerce, but at the same time, both countries are facing threats of terrorism. He said that the ideas and powers behind such types of inhumane acts are still active. India and Bangladesh must remain vigilant and united to counter such forces.