Various organisations and individuals yesterday expressed deep shock at the death of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who was the chief of Indian army during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
UNB adds: Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury expressed condolence at the death of the war veteran.
In a message to Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the foreign adviser said Field Marshal Manekshaw combined in him the rare qualities of a great soldier, military strategist and a leader of people he worked with.
"The people and the government of Bangladesh will always recall with warm gratitude his signal contribution to our War of Liberation and his association with a glorious epoch in the history of Bangladesh's evolution," he said.
Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed has also conveyed his condolence to the bereaved family of Manekshaw and also to the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army.
In a condolence message, the Bangladesh Army said Manekshaw's successful leadership as the chief of the allied force in the Liberation War in 1971 had helped Bangladesh achieve a quick victory in the war, said an ISPR press release.
Bangladesh Army also recalled his contribution to the liberation war with gratitude and paid deep respect to his departed soul.
In a press release yesterday, the Sector Commandars' Forum said the role of Manekshaw in the liberation war is inseparable from the history of Bangladesh's independence.
Liberation War Museum has also expressed deep shock at the death of Manekshaw and opened a condolence book at the museum to facilitate the people to pay tribute to the war hero.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haque Inu and General Secretary Syed Zafar Sazzad in a statement said Bangladeshis would always remember the contribution of Manekshaw to the Liberation War.
Jatiya Party Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam in a statement said Bangladesh has lost one of its sincere friends at the death of Manekshaw.
Sammilita Sangskritik Jote and Muktijoddha Sangram Parishad also condoled the death of the war veteran.