Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, known as a trusted friend of Bangladesh since 1971 war of independence, has been tested positive for the coronavirus while on a hospital visit for a separate procedure.
“On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for COVID19 today. I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self isolate and get tested for COVID-19. #CitizenMukherjee,” the 84-year-old former president tweeted on Monday.
Pranab Mukherjee was the first Indian MP who initiated a discussion at the Indian parliament, Rajya Sabha, on June 15 in 1971 and suggested India to accord recognition to the Bangladesh government in exile.
The Awami League government recognised his role with an award when he was the President of India between 2012 and 2017.
Minutes after Pranab Mukherjee posted the tweet, wishes for his speedy recovery poured on social media.
“I pray for the well being and speedy recovery of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I am confident he will be successful in recovering from the virus quickly. Wishing him strength and good health,” Union Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted.
“Please take care sir. We are praying for your speedy recovery and good health @CitiznMukherjee (sic),” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote on Twitter.
India is the third worst-hit country by the pandemic after the United States and Brazil.
On Monday, the country passed 22 lakh coronavirus cases, just four days after crossing the 20-lakh mark, according to NDTV.
Over 44,000 patients have died since the beginning of the pandemic. India has been recording a bigger single-day jump in fresh Covid infections than the US and Brazil for the last six days.
