'Slain, not silenced': Modi pays tribute to Liberation War martyrs

"May every visitor to this revered ground honour the sacred memory of the millions who were slain but not silenced," wrote Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Visitors' Book, in a touching tribute at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar today.

Writing in the Visitors' Book after planting a sapling of Arjuna tree at the memorial complex as a mark of respect for the martyrs of Bangladesh, he also said, "Their valour will continue to inspire future generations to fight injustice and defend the cause of righteousness."

"On behalf of the people of India, I pray that the eternal flame at Savar remains a lasting reminder of the noble victory of truth and courage over deceit and oppression," Modi wrote in English with a fountain pen before signing off in Hindi.

This was the Indian PM's first official engagement soon after reaching Dhaka by a special plane, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

Modi is now on a two-day visit to attend celebration of 50 years of Bangladesh's liberation, India-Bangladesh diplomatic relationsip and birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.