Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his second day in Bangladesh by offering prayers at the Jeshoreshwari and Orakandi Temples in southwestern Shatkhira and Gopalganj. The Prime Minister said, “Today, I had the privilege of offering prayers to Maa Kali... “I prayed to her to free the human race from COVID-19.”

PM Modi was greeted with a traditional welcome at the temple, where he sat on the floor and prayed. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he also put a “hand-made Mukut (crown)” on the Goddess, which is made of silver with gold plating and was carved over three weeks by a traditional artisan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last visited Bangladesh in 2015 and performed puja at the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka.

Following demonstrations by a few leftist and Islamist parties, Bangladesh has increased protection for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.

He’ll also pay a visit to Tungipara’s ‘Mausoleum of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’ today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said both India and Bangladesh should remain united and vigilant in the fight against terrorism in the region while speaking at a National Day event in Dhaka yesterday. “We must note that while we have comparable opportunities in trade and business, we still face similar challenges such as terrorism. These inhumane crimes are still being committed by thoughts and forces. To fight them, we must remain alert and united,” Modi added.

The Prime Minister also presented Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s younger daughter with the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020. “It is a source of pride for Indians that we have been given the chance to award the Gandhi Peace Prize to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I also salute the valiant Indian Army soldiers who stood with their Bangladeshi brothers and sisters in the ‘Muktijuddho’ (Liberation War). He went on to say, “I’m glad to see them here today at this gathering.”