DHAKA, Dec 16, 2021 (BSS) - Visiting Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the renovated Ramna Kali Mandir which was destroyed by the Pakistani forces during the Liberation War in 1971.

     "Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the renovated Sri Sri Ramna Kali Mandir and Srima Anandamayi Ashram tomorrow, which was completely destroyed by the Pakistani forces during heinous Operation Searchlight in 1971," the temple's executive committee President Utpal Saha told BSS today.

     He said that the centuries-old temple was destroyed and many houses on temple premises came under attack and residents were brutally killed during the Operation Searchlight of the Pakistan army.

     Utpal said the temple was renovated at the funding of Indian government with the help of the Bangladesh government.

     The renovation comes 50 years after the independence of Bangladesh as none who came in power after the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took any initiative for renovation.

     "When Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina assumed office as the prime minister, we got the opportunity to perform worship here without any obstacles from police," he said.

     He said as Sheikh Hasina is in power, the Indian government might have taken the initiative to renovate the temple.

     Utpal said there is a memorable plaque with inscription of the names of those who were martyred on the premises of the temple during Liberation War in 1971.

     He said Kovind will reach the temple at 10.30am and then inaugurate the renovated temple by unveiling a plaque. The Indian president will also offer puja at the temple.