Bangladesh will remember Castro with reverence: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday expressed deep shock at the death of Cuban revolutionary icon Fidel Castro, saying that the great Cuban leader will be remembered by the people of the country with love and reverence.

"I am deeply grieved at the sad demise of the great Cuban leader Fidel Castro. On behalf of the people and the Government of Bangladesh, I convey our heartfelt condolences to you and through you to the members of the bereaved family and the people of the Republic of Cuba," she said in a condolence message sent to Cuban President Raul Modesto Castro Ruz.

Sheikh Hasina said Castro was awarded "Bangladesh Liberation War Honour" in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the War of Liberation.

She also remembered the great friendship between Castro and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"They were great friends and during their meeting at the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Algiers in 1973, Mr Castro made an emotional remark while hugging my father, which I still recall," she said.

Castro had said: "I have not seen the Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib. In personality and courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas."

"The great Cuban leader will be ever remembered by the people of Bangladesh with love and reverence," she said. "May his immortal soul rest in eternal peace."

The legendary Cuban communist leader died late Friday in Havana, the Cuban capital, his brother, President Raul Castro, announced on national television.