Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today recalled the "very difficult and challenging time" when he had launched a movement in Boston and New York for freeing Sheikh Hasina during the military-backed caretaker government in the country.

"It's a historic day for us. It's a day of much joy for us," he said as the13th anniversary of release of Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from prison was observed today.

On this day in 2008, Sheikh Hasina was released from the special sub-jail set up in the premises of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban after being confined there for nearly 11 months.

The Awami League president was arrested from her Sudha Sadan residence at Dhanmondi on July 16, 2007 during the military-backed caretaker government, which assumed power in the political changeover of 1/11 in 2007.

Dr Momen said he was an adviser to the Awami League but AL was in a hostile situation in Boston as many were supporting the military government at that time.

"I remember, I used to drive from Boston to New York every weekend with my children and continue our movement from New York," he said.

The foreign minister described how he faced many challenges by the "reformists" who favoured the minus-2 formula.

Momen also recalled when Sheikh Hasina visited Boston after getting freed from jail.

"I started calling all in New York. I must say they got inspired. Our group in Boston got larger than that of opposing group. Our intention was to protect Sheikh Hasina in a disciplined way," he said, adding that current Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud accompanied Sheikh Hasina.

Momen said Sheikh Hasina has forgiven those who favoured the minus-2 formula and they are in good positions now.