PM Modi draws flak for saying PM Sheikh Hasina fights terrorism 'despite being a woman'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked outrage after he praised his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina for her courage to fight terrorism "despite being a woman", triggering an avalanche of criticism on social media site Twitter.

#DespiteBeingAWoman was one of the top trends on the micro blogging site on Monday, with users expressing anger at what they said was a bigoted and sexist remark and posting pictures of famous female scientists, politicians and athletes.

Modi, who was on a two-day official visit to neighbouring Bangladesh, on Sunday told an audience at Dhaka University that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina showed that she was committed to ending terrorism which has plagued both South Asian nations.

"The world has still not found a solution on how to tackle terrorism. Even the UN is not in a position to provide guidance," said Modi.

"I am happy that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, despite being a woman, is openly saying that she has zero tolerance for terrorism. I would like to congratulate Sheikh Hasina for her courage to deal with terrorism with zero tolerance," he added.

Twitter users went into a frenzy early on Monday as Modi's comments were picked up by local media, with many taking pot-shots at the Indian leader's remark.

ok. off to work. after cooking sending kid to school to write big story and run errands. like every other woman i know #despitebeingawoman

— Gayatri Jayaraman (@Gayatri__J) June 8, 2015

For those wondering if Modi was misquoted, here's the relevant bit from official PMO transcript. #DespiteBeingAWoman pic.twitter.com/KqtWAi2n21

— Mihir Sharma (@mihirssharma) June 8, 2015

You have to be an imbecile to ignore the never ending list of high achieving women in the world. "#DespiteBeingAWoman"

— Brumby(No MSG Found) (@brownbrumby) June 8, 2015

#DespiteBeingAWoman women are considered lowlife in this man ruling world. speak out.

— Sona Negi (@sona_negi) June 8, 2015

Rani Jhansi, Bachendri Pal, Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla, Homai Vyarawalla, Sarojini Naidu, Saina Nehwal #DespiteBeingAWoman #ToNameaFew

— Indrani Ray (@IndraniRay) June 8, 2015

She endures all that pain and works just as hard as you. #DespiteBeingAWoman #Periods #Respect

— Charles (@Cryptc_Lucidity) June 8, 2015

Users also posted images of successful women - from former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, to civil rights campaigner Rosa Parks and education activist Malala Yousafzai to physicist Marie Curie -under the hashtag #DespiteBeingAWoman.