PM Narendra Modi invites 50 Bangladesh entrepreneurs to join start-ups in India

PM Modi on Friday left for a two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first trip to a foreign country since the COVID-19 outbreak. Prime Minister Modi departed for Bangladesh at 07:45 AM and is expected to arrive in Dhaka at 10:00 AM. During his historic trip, PM Modi will take part in a wide range of programmes aimed at furthering cooperation between the two countries.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 26) hailed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's leadership and contribution of the Indian army in Bangladesh's 1971 freedom war as he joined President Abdul Hamid and his counterpart Sheikh Hasina in celebrating the country's 50 years of independence here. He also presented the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020, being conferred by India upon Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to his daughters - Premier Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana.

Speaking at the 50th National Day programme of Bangladesh at the National Parade Square, PM Modi said it was an honour for India to confer Gandhi Peace Prize on Mujibur Rahman.

Modi, who was wearing a 'Mujib Jacket' as a tribute to Bangladesh's Father of the Nation, said that Bangabandhu's leadership and bravery had ensured that no power could enslave Bangladesh.

"This is one of the most memorable days of my life. I am grateful that Bangladesh has included me in this event. I am grateful that Bangladesh has invited India to take part in this function. It is a matter of our pride that we got the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Gandhi Peace Prize," said Modi.

After his arrival, he attended an event at the National Martyr`s Memorial at 10:50 AM in Bangladesh capital Dhaka. Thereafter, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen called on Prime Minister Modi at 3:15 PM.

Later, he attended the National Day Programme at 3:45 pm. He will also inaugurate Bapu Bangabandhu Digital Video Exhibition at 7:45 pm.

Thank you for tuning in for the live updates of PM Modi's two-day Bangladesh visit:

- Thanking PM Modi for all the support he has provided to Bangladesh, PM Sheikh Hasina said, "In our independence war, we always remember the contribution of India. PM Narendra Modi has graced this occasion, being physically present here as a Guest of Honour. We are honoured to have him here."

- "India has now become one of our best development partners," said Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at Dhaka.

- "I extend my heartiest thanks to PM Narendra Modi who has consented to grace this occasion even amidst this pandemic," said Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

- PM Modi said that India is very happy that Made in India (COVID-19) vaccines are being used by our brothers and sisters of Bangladesh

- The Prime Minister said, "I would like to remind brothers & sisters in Bangladesh with pride, being involved in the struggle for independence of Bangladesh was one of the first movements of my life. I must have been 20-22 years old when I&my colleagues did Satyagraha for Bangladesh's freedom."

- PM Narendra Modi announced Swarna Jayanti scholarship for youths of Bangladesh.

- "The pictures of atrocities that the Pakistan Army inflicted on the people here used to distract us. For many days those pictures didn't let us sleep," said PM Modi at Dhaka.

- "On completion of 50 years of relationship between India and Bangladesh, I would like to invite 50 entrepreneurs of Bangladesh to visit India and join our start-up and innovation ecosystem and meet our venture capitalists," the Prime Minister said.

- "Today in Bangladesh, the blood of those who fought for their liberation & the blood of Indian soldiers are flowing together. This blood will form such a relationship that will not break down under any type of pressure &will not fall prey to any kind of diplomacy," said PM Modi.

- "Today I also salute the brave soldiers of Indian Army who stood with brothers & sisters of Bangladesh in 'Muktijuddho'. I am happy that many Indian soldiers who participated in Bangladesh Liberation War are present at this event today.": PM Modi at Dhaka

- "It is a matter of pride for Indians that we got the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Gandhi Peace Prize," said PM Modi at Dhaka

- Sheikh Rehana, the younger daughter of Bangladesh's Father of Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, received the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 which has been conferred upon him posthumously.

- Watch live here:

Watch Live https://t.co/GzTLEdVnox — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 26, 2021

- PM Narendra Modi, with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, arrives at National Parade Ground in Dhaka to take in National Day programme.

- PM Narendra Modi interacted with eminent young achievers from different walks of life in Dhaka.

Eminent young achievers from different walks of life interacted with PM @narendramodi in Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/QJ6vleUuTJ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 26, 2021

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met 'Muktijodhas', the liberation war fighters of Bangladesh, in Dhaka today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met 'Muktijodhas', the liberation war fighters of Bangladesh, in Dhaka today pic.twitter.com/avBVi9oLhV — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the young achievers of Bangladesh.

Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the young achievers of Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/4Wi5KgcONS — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

- Watch video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcome by members of the Indian diaspora in Bangladesh, at a hotel in Dhaka.

#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora in Bangladesh, at a hotel in Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/cWttiw1b3X — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

- Without a single bullet, we're achieving our goals. For India, their eastern border is secured because of strong relationship with Bangladesh. For us, land boundary finalised, maritime boundary with India finalised, water sharing of Ganga finalised. Focus of the visit is celebration. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina & PM Modi have reached such height of diplomatic maturity that we've been resolving all our critical issues through dialogue & discussion, said Bangladesh Foreign Minister.

Focus of the visit is celebration. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina & PM Modi have reached such height of diplomatic maturity that we've been resolving all our critical issues through dialogue & discussion: Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on PM Modi's visit to the country pic.twitter.com/QMKbkSEKhw — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the visitors' book at National Martyrs' Memorial in Dhaka.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi plants a sapling at National Martyrs' Memorial in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Bangladesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi plants a sapling at National Martyrs' Memorial in Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/CSmeICexb2 — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits National Martyrs' Memorial, Savar in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits National Martyrs' Memorial, Savar in Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/MkbyJ58UmV — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

-Prime Minister Narendra Modi being accorded Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Bangladesh. Visuals from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being accorded Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Bangladesh. Visuals from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/NJBTa91Va0 — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

-Video of PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka.

#WATCH: PM Narendra Modi received by PM of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina as he arrives in Dhaka on a two-day visit to the country. pic.twitter.com/oSC0f9prV8 — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

-Here are some visuals of PM Modi being received at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina receives PM Narendra Modi. Visuals from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/koCCXly5PV — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021

- PM of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina receives PM Narendra Modi.

-PM Narendra Modi arrives in Dhaka on two-day official visit to Bangladesh

-PM Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first visit to a foreign country since the COVID19 outbreak

Prior to his departure, Prime Minister Modi said that he looks forward to having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He will also call on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during the visit.

"I look forward to my participation at the National Day celebrations tomorrow, which will also commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions," he said in a tweet.

The Prime Minister is also looking forward to visiting Bangabandhu`s Samadhi in Tungipara to pay his respects.

As I leave for Bangladesh tomorrow, I look forward to remembering the life and ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh’s War of Liberation, as well as our diplomatic ties. https://t.co/74FLn4MvHB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 25, 2021

 "I am particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Harichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message. I will be having substantive discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following our very productive virtual meeting in December last year. I also look forward to my meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," he said.

He added, "My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh`s remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s visionary leadership, but also to commit India`s abiding support for these achievements. I will also express India`s support and solidarity for Bangladesh`s fight against COVID-19.

Our partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy, and we are committed to further deepen and diversify it. We will continue to support Bangladesh's remarkable development journey, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 25, 2021

"Bangladesh Foreign Minister on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh welcome the visit of Prime Minister Modi. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh`s polity and society.