The Sheikh Hasina government on Monday announced a day of mourning on Wednesday in honour of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.
Mukherjee always had a special relationship with Bangladesh, specially Hasina, who used to address him as “Kakababu”.

A condolence message released by the Prime Minister’s office in Dhaka said that Mukherjee’s death deeply saddened Hasina. “I always recall with profound respect his invaluable contributions to our Liberation War,” said Hasina in the message.

She also said that Mukherjee always extended his cooperation to her family when they were in exile in India after the August 15, 1975, killing of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

According to Hasina, Mukherjee always enquired about the Sheikh family and stood beside them during hard times. Hasina said she also received Mukherjee’s cooperation and encouragement even after her return to Bangladesh. “He (Pranab Mukherjee) has been our guardian and family friend and he always provided strength to us during any crisis,” she said.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister said that in Mukherjee’s death Bangladesh had lost a dear friend. “He (Pranab Mukherjee) will remain alive as a glittering star in the politics of the subcontinent,” she said.