Narendra Modi visits 1971 war memorial in Bangladesh

Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the National Martyrs' Memorial here and paid tributes to the valour and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

Soon after his arrival here on a two-day visit, Modi drove to 'Jatiyo Smriti Shoudho' (National Martyrs' Memorial) to pay homage to the thousands who laid down their lives fighting for freedom from Pakistan.

Army bugle played the last post as Modi stood in solemn silence in front of the memorial for some time. As part of the military ritual, the Bangladesh flag was hoisted and lowered to the half mast as the Indian premier offered wreaths at the altar. The monument is located in Savar, about 35 km north-west of Dhaka and was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain.

"Beginning the visit by paying homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971," he tweeted.

"Foundation Stone for Jatiyo Smriti Shoudho was laid by Bangabandhu himself. Design was chosen from various entries obtained in a competition," Modi added in another tweet.

He noted that the memorial consists of 7 distinct triangles indicating 7 stages of the national movement of Bangladesh that led to its Independence.

"Memorial gives impression of rising from the ashes like a phoenix. It symbolises courage & determination of people," the Indian Prime Minister said.

The monument is composed of seven isosceles triangular pyramid shaped structures, with the middle one being the tallest at 150 feet. There is an artificial lake and several mass graves in front of the main monument.

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Prime Minister also visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum dedicated to the founder of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In this museum, one can see a collection of his personal things.

Earlier, on his arrival, Modi tweeted, "Hello Bangladesh. I bring with me the affection & goodwill of the people of India."

Modi arrived in Dhaka to a red carpet welcome on his maiden visit. Breaking protocol, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received him at the airport.