Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday hailed Pranab Mukherjee as an inspiration saying that his death has created a vacuum both in the intellectual as well as political arenas of this subcontinent.

“He would remain as an inspiration for the coming generations of our region. We would remember him for his support and love for Bangladesh,” she said.

Hasina said this in a video message on the occasion of First Pranab Mukherjee Memorial Lecture (Virtual) organised by ‘Pranab Mukherjee Legacy Foundation’ on a virtual platform.

It is hard to pass a year without Pranab Mukherjee, said Hasina, adding, “He was a true friend of Bangladesh and a great political icon of the subcontinent. I pay my deep homage to the memory of this towering personality on his death anniversary.”

She mentioned that Pranab Mukherjee had deep love for Bangladesh. “His contribution to our great Liberation War would never be forgotten.”

Also read: Late Pranab Mukherjee's fond recollections of ties to Bangladesh

As a young MP, Hasina recalled, he took bold initiatives to support and table a motion in Rajya Sabha in June 1971 for the recognition of Bangladesh.

“The people of Bangladesh gratefully remember his support. Pranab Mukherjee had enormous respect and deep regards for our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she added.

The Prime Minister said as he had been given ‘Bharat Ratna’ in recognition of his contribution by the government of India, it was the honour for Bangladesh to confer the prestigious Muktijuddho Sammanona (Liberation War Honour) up on him in 2013 for his invaluable contributions to Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

“Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee had a colourful political career and he was known for his extraordinary wisdom, farsightedness and visionary leadership,” she mentioned.

Also read: PM describes Pranab Mukherjee as ‘true friend’ of Bangladesh

With his versatile talents, Hasina said, Pranab Mukherjee efficiently managed important ministries like Finance, Defence and External Affairs of the government of India.

“His extraordinary qualities eventually led him to become the first citizen of the country and the first Bangalee President of India.”

The Prime Minister said she had close personal relations and very fond memories with him and his wife Shubra Mukerjee, who was from Bangladesh.

“Pranab dada and Shubra didi had deep affection for me and my sister Rehana. They remained beside us as guardians and family friends during our difficult days in India after the assassination of my parents along with 18 other close family members on the 15th August 1975.”

She said the demise of Pranab Mukherjee was a personal loss for her and her family, and she will continue to miss him and his affection.

The lecture was delivered by Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu.

This Lecture is an event to commemorate the First Death Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee and begin the Foundation's journey dedicated to the cause of taking his legacy forward.