DHAKA: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday handed over the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour to ailing BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Modi visited Vajpayee's residence in New Delhi and handed over the award to the former Prime Minister's foster daughter Namita Bhattacharya and her husband Ranjan Bhattacharya, reports the Economic Times.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was present on the occasion.

Bangladesh has conferred its prestigious liberation war honour on Vajpayee for his "active role" in its independence struggle and consolidating friendship with India.

Modi had received the honour on behalf of Vajpayee during his recent visit to Bangladesh.

"Visited Atal ji & was delighted to hand over the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour to his family," the Prime Minister tweeted.

BDST: 1526 HRS, JUN 11, 2015
RS/SMS