Sonia receives award on behalf of Indira Gandhi

Dhaka: Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of UPA, on Monday received on behalf of late prime minister Indira Gandhi the “Bangladesh Freedom Honour”, the country’s highest honour for any foreign national. President Zillur Rahman conferred it posthumously on Indira Gandhi at the Bangabhaban here. Prime Minister Sheikha Hasina was present with her cabinet colleagues. Indira Gandhi was the prime minister when Bangladesh gained freedom in 1971. The three-page citation reads “Indira Gandhi stood by the side of the people of Bangladesh from the beginning of the Liberation War despite various adversities. She provided shelter to about one crore Bangladeshi refugees. She provided courage in the Liberation War by facing different diplomatic hurdles. She played a great role in freeing Bangabandhu from Pakistani jail. Her contribution to Bangladesh’s Liberation War will be remembered forever.” (IANS)