State mourning observed

The nation observed a one-day state mourning on Wednesday in honour of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, report UNB.

All government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad kept the national flag at half-mast in observance of the mourning day.

Mukherjee, the former Indian President, died on Monday at the age of 84, weeks after his brain surgery.

The government of India and many states have announced seven-day official mourning.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen paid last respects to former President of India Pranab Mukherjee at the Indian High Commission here on Wednesday and signed the condolence book.

He mentioned that Bangladesh has lost a true friend following the death of Bharat Ratna Mukherjee and the entire Bangali nation is indebted to him.Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das was also present.

The Foreign Minister said he had the opportunity to get introduced with Mukherjee in 1973 and recalled Mukherjee's role for the betterment of Bangladesh since the independence.

The Foreign Minister prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commission in Dhaka has opened a digital condolence book in memory of Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th President of India.