Pranab Mukherjee is no more. The 13th President of India and a towering figure in subcontinent politics, Mukherjee died on Monday at Army Hospital in Delhi where he was on ventilation support. He was 84.

 His death has created a huge vacuum not in India alone, as he was one of the “most tested and trusted” friends of Bangladesh.

 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was “overwhelmed” at the news of his death and said: “India lost a wise and patriotic leader, Bangladesh lost a loved one”.

 “He will survive as a shining star in the politics of the subcontinent,” Sheikh Hasina said, calling him a “guardian and family friend” who always gave her courage in any crisis.

 His son Abhijit Mukherjee took to Twitter to make the announcement: “With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers ,duas & prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You Folded hands.”

 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to pay tribute, saying he was blessed to have Pranab Mukherjee's guidance since he took office.

 Pranab Mukherjee, fondly called as Pranab da, hailed from West Bengal.  His career in politics spanned over five decades. His wife Suvra Mukherjee, who died in 2015, was born and raised in Narail, Bangladesh.

 Mukherjee’s death also marks the end of an era in the Congress as he was among the last of the Congress leaders to have worked closely with Indira Gandhi.

 His political journey started in West Bengal when he was the election agent for VK Krishna Menon, who won the Midnapore by-election as an independent candidate.

 Indira Gandhi brought in the ‘little master’ to the Rajya Sabha, Upper House of the Indian Parliament, as a member of the Bangla Congress, a breakaway Congress group formed in the state back in 1966. It merged with the Congress in 1970.

 He was 36 years old in 1971 when he stood up in the Indian parliament on June 15 and initiated a discussion on Bangladesh’s war of independence.

 He suggested that India should accord diplomatic recognition to the government of Bangladesh in exile in Mujibnagar.

 In 1971, he was also sent to world capitals to drum up support for the Bangladeshi cause by the Congress leader Indira Gandhi. Mukherjee was a powerful orator, scholar and a statesman.

 Sheikh Hasina's government had awarded him with the ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honour Award’ in 2013 for his role during the 1971 War of Independence.

 He again stood by Sheikh Hasina after August 15, 1975 following the assassination of her father, the founding father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

 Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana survived as they were in Germany then. Later she was living in New Delhi in exile. Mukherjee stood by her.

 The prime minister remembered those days while expressing her “deep shock and sorrow” over his death in a message.

 She was “overwhelmed with grief” over the news of Pranab Mukherjee’s death, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

 “His contribution in our great liberation war as a politician and our best friend is never forgotten. I always remember with respect his outstanding contribution to the liberation war.”

 She said Pranab Mukherjee always helped her when she was living in India in exile.

 “He used to inquire about my family in such difficult times, he stood by me in case of any need. Even after my return to the country, Pranab Mukherjee has given his support and encouragement. He is our guardian and family friend. He has given courage in any crisis,” she said, while conveying deep sympathy to the members of his bereaved family.

 Indian President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his condolences on the demise and wrote on Twitter, "Sad to hear that former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. His demise is passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens."

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, he was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of society."

 "As India’s President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee made Rashtrapati Bhavan even more accessible to common citizens. He made the President’s house a centre of learning, innovation, culture, science and literature. His wise counsel on key policy matters will never be forgotten by me," PM Modi said in another tweet.

 "I was new to Delhi in 2014. From Day 1, I was blessed to have the guidance, support and blessings of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I will always cherish my interactions with him. Condolences to his