Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Bangladesh would benefit if Sheikh Kamal was alive today: Hasan Mahmud
Bangladesh would have been benefited if Sheikh Kamal was alive, said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Friday.
The minister said this after paying homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj marking Sheikh Kamal's 73rd birth anniversary today, according to a press release.
He said Sheikh Kamal will remain alive among the people for ages, as long as Bangladesh exists, through his actions during his short span of life.
“With his talent and organisational skills, I think Bangladesh would have benefited more,” he added.
Read: PM: Multitalented Sheikh Kamal led very simple life
Sheikh Kamal could have played a great role in the country's culture and sports arena, above all in leading Bangladesh, said Hasan and prayed for eternal peace of his departed soul.
Earlier in the day, Hasan paid tribute by placing wreaths at the portrait of Shaheed Sheikh Kamal at Abahani field in Dhaka.
Kamal fell to bullets when disgruntled forces assassinated Bangabandhu along with most members of the family of the architect of Bangladesh on August 15, 1975 at his 32 Dhanmandi residence.
Historic Six-Point Day observed
The historic Six-Point Day was observed in Bangladesh on Tuesday, commemorating the placing of the demand for autonomy for the erstwhile East Pakistan.
The people of then East Pakistan had joined the Awami League’s call for a daylong shutdown on this day in 1966 to press for specific demands including autonomy.
Also read: Seed of ultimate freedom sown through 6-point demand in 1966: Joy
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had placed the demands several months earlier to end the exploitation, deprivation, subjugation and tyranny of the then Pakistani government on the people of the eastern province.
At the call of Awami League, the people of then East Pakistan joined the Six-Point Movement spontaneously and observed the dawn-to-dusk hartal across the province.
The law enforcers opened fire on demonstrators at various places in Dhaka and Narayanganj, killing at least 10 people. The killings intensified the movement.
The six points included having a federal structure of government based on the spirit of the Lahore Resolution of 1940, with a parliament elected on the basis of universal adult franchise.
It also asked for the central government’s authority only in defence and foreign affairs and vesting all other subjects in the federating units of the state of Pakistan.
It proposed two freely convertible currencies for the two wings of Pakistan or two separate reserve banks for the two regions of the country; vesting power of taxation and revenue collection in the federating units; and two separate accounts for foreign exchange reserves for the two wings of Pakistan.
It also demanded a separate militia or paramilitary force for East Pakistan as a measure of its security.
The ruling AL, its associate bodies, other political parties and socio-cultural organisations observed the day with various programmes.
Also read: 6-points anniversary: Bangladesh to keep advancing with dignity, says PM
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages recalling the sacrifices of the heroic Bangalis in the six-point movement.
About the historic six-point programme, Hasina said it was presented by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the “Magna Carta” of Bangalis as it had prepared the people for the independence.
“The Six-Point Demand was to prepare the people fully with the spirit of liberation, and prepare them to participate in the Liberation War,” she said while addressing a discussion through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Bangladesh Awami League arranged the discussion at its central office in the city’s Bangabandhu Avenue marking the historic Six-Point Day.
She said Bangabandhu himself formulated the Six-Point Demand. After Bangabandhu got released from jail on 17 December, 1959 and then joined Alfa insurance company due to ban on politics at that time, his personal assistant Mohammad Hanif wrote it on typewriter taking dictation from Bangabandhu.
“I think no other demand got so much popularity in a very short time in world history,” said Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu.
She said the country had achieved independence due to firm belief and confidence, courage, honesty and foresight of Bangabandhu.
Seed of ultimate freedom sown through 6-point demand in 1966: Joy
Prime Minister’s ICT affairs adviser Sajeeb wazed Joy has said the seed of the ultimate freedom of Bengalis was sown through the six-point demand in 1966, a milestone in the nation's long struggle towards liberation.
The six-point charter, raised by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was the foundation pillar of the Bengali nation's movement for their rights, he said in Facebook post from his verified account on Tuesday.
Also read: 6-points anniversary: Bangladesh to keep advancing with dignity, says PM
“It was the instrument of freedom for Bengalis. A victim of prolonged persecution, injustice, and indiscrimination, the nation got a new direction through the six-point movement,” he wrote in his Facebook post that accompanied a web link of an article titled “Six-Point Demands: Roadmap for Bangladesh’s Emancipation.”
On March 18, 1966, a booklet, titled ‘The demand for our existence: six-point initiative', attributed to Bangabandhu, was circulated in a conference of the Awami League council, Joy wrote. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman toured districts to drum up support for the initiative.
On June 7, 1966, a countrywide strike was enforced to realize the six-point movement. Police and EPR fired bullets and beat protesters indiscriminately.
Also read:President Sayem's life was under threat until he signed: Joy
Eleven Bengalis, including Monu Mia, Shafique, and Shamsul, in Tongi, Dhaka, and Narayanganj embraced martyrdom, a sacrifice compelling the nation to observe the day as the 'Six-Point Day'.
Alarmed at the successful strike of June 7, military dictator Ayub Khan hatched another conspiracy to hang Bangabandhu by implicating him in the Agartala conspiracy case. But, the historic 1969-mass uprising foiled all these schemes, according to Joy’s Facebook post.
He encouraged his followers on Facebook to read the entire article to equip themselves with the knowledge of the six-point movement - from its inception to execution and pass the undistorted history to the young generation.
PM offers Fateha at the mazar of Bangabandhu in Tungipara
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday offered prayers at the mazar of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara of Gopalganj.Accompanied by her sister and Bangabandhu’s younger daughter Sheikh Rehana, she offered Fateha and joined a munajat seeking eternal peace of departed souls of the Father of the Nation and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 massacre.Prayers were also offered seeking divine blessings for good health and long life of Hasina and Rehana and their family members as well as continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
Also read: PM: Padma Bridge brightens Bangladesh’s image as a bold nationThe prime minister also offered prayers at the graves of her grandfather and Bangabandhu's father Sheikh Lutfar Rahman and grandmother Sheikh Sahera Khatun in Tungipara.
Nation set to celebrate Independence Day Saturday
Bangladesh is all set to celebrate the 52nd Independence and National Day on Saturday amid programmes that feature paying homage to the Liberation War martyrs and vow to materialise their dreams.
On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh's independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees on the midnight of March 25 by Pakistani occupation forces.
After a nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved its victory on December 16, 1971.
Read: One-min blackout to mark Genocide Day tonight
The day, which is a public holiday, will begin with 21-gun salute and placing of wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar in honour of the Liberation War martyrs.
President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths early in the morning showing profound respect to the memories of the martyrs.
National flag will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, private, autonomous buildings with the sunrise and all the significant buildings, establishments will be illuminated.
National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Shishu Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum and other social, cultural organizations will arrange seminars, cultural programmes, painting and sports competitions for children as well as screening films, documentaries on the liberation war.
Freedom fighters and martyr’s families will be honoured on metropolitan, district and upazila level. Bangladesh Post Office Department will unveil a special commemorative stamp to mark the day.
Meanwhile different religious organizations will hold special prayers and doa mehfil praying for the country's peace, development and prosperity.
On the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen at home and abroad.
Read: AL appeals for global recognition of 1971 genocide
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said, “In order to achieve the desired goal of Independence, we must ensure people-oriented and sustainable development, good governance, social justice, transparency and accountability. Forbearance, human rights and rule of law have to be consolidated for institutionalizing democracy.”
“It is our sacred duty to ensure a safe, happy, beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh for the new generation,” he added.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said, “We are fortunate to have simultaneously celebrated the 2020-2021 birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Mujib Barsha, and the Golden Jubilee of independence through colorful programs.”
She also urged all to be united and nurture the spirit and ideals of the Great Liberation War and participate in building the hunger-poverty-free, self-confident and self-respecting 'Golden Bangladesh' of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s dream.
Bangabandhu one of the world's greatest leaders of the oppressed: Minister
Minister for Fisheries and Livestock S M Rezaul Karim has termed Bangabandhu as one of the greatest leaders and patriots of the world, urging all to work unitedly to teach the new generations about his vision and ideology.
"Let’s work in unison to teach the new generations about Bangabandhu’s dreams, belief, patriotism and non-communal philosophy," he said.
The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion session held at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington D.C. on the occasion of the 102nd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Read: Bangabandhu's birth anniversary celebrated in Canberra
The Embassy organized the event at the Bangabandhu Auditorium as part of its programmes to celebrate the 102nd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children's Day 2022.
The Minister also called upon all to take a vow to resist the communal and anti-liberation forces to materialize the dreams of three million martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Due to Bangabandhu’s charismatic leadership and long struggle in country’s all movements from the 1952 Language Movement to Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh gained independence as a free and sovereign nation, he highlighted.
Rezaul Karim said that Bangabandhu was portrayed as a “voice of oppressed people”, while in the recent world climate summit, his able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was termed as a “voice of the distressed people”. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has turned Bangladesh into a role model of development in the world by materializing the dreams of Bangabandhu, he added.
The Fisheries Minister also pointed out various steps taken by Bangabandhu as well as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the welfare of the children of Bangladesh.
Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy Ferdousi Shahriar also spoke on the occasion.
The discussion was followed by a screening of a documentary titled "Bangabandhu-Forever in Our Hearts".
Read: Follow Bangabandhu to become self- confident, overcome all obstacles:Energy advisor
Earlier, the Fisheries Minister along with the officials of the Embassy placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation at the Bangabandhu Corner of the Embassy.
After laying the wreath, they stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the great leader.
The celebration of the Embassy began with hoisting of the National Flag by the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy on the chancery premises in the morning.
The messages issued on the occasion by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out.
Special prayers were offered seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 as well as Bangladesh's continuous peace, progress and prosperity.
The Charge d'Affaires, in her speech, paid deepest homage to Bangabandhu on the 102nd birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.
She said Bangabandhu, the greatest Bengali of all times, fought throughout his life for the welfare of the oppressed people.
Ferdousi Shahriar said Bangabandhu after independence had taken many revolutionary steps to transform Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country. "So, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we all need to work hard to realize the dream of the Father of the Nation," she observed.
PM vows to build a beautiful future for children
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that her government has long-term plans to make the future beautiful for the children.
“We want to build a beautiful future for the children. I’ve also formulated long-term plans for this,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing a programme titled ‘Tungipara: Hridoye Pitribhumi’at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara in Gopalganj marking the 102nd birth anniversary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day-2022.
In collaboration with the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, the National Implementation Committee for Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birth Centenary Celebration, arranged the programme, featuring discussion and cultural soiree.
Also read: Birth Anniversary: President, PM pay homage to Bangabandhu
Hasina said Bangladesh today attained the status of a developing country. “We’ll definitely make Bangladesh the developed and prosperous Sonar Bangla. It’s our commitment,” she said.
In this context, she mentioned her government’s vision 2041 and Delta Plan-2100. “I’ve prepared a plan over how this Bangladesh would develop till 2100,” she added.
Bangabandhu's birthday evokes his dream: Joy
Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has said the 102nd birthday of his grandfather - Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - evokes his dream about Bangladesh, its people.
"Let it resonate in every heart and get us closer to the realization of Vision 2041," Joy said in a Facebook post from his verified page on Thursday wishing Bangabandhu on his birthday.
Read: Birth Anniversary: President, PM pay homage to Bangabandhu
The only occasion when his grandmother objected was when his grandfather allowed him a puff on his lighted pipe, Joy recalled.
"While my grandma turned furious, my grandfather let out his trademark uproarious laughter as I coughed my little lungs out.”
“That is one of my few childhood memories with my grandfather that never faded all these decades," he said.
But, the curtain on that togetherness came down on August 15, 1975, Joy said, adding that since then, life has been one of ceaseless struggle to survival for each surviving member of his family.
Read: Remembering Bangabandhu on his 102nd birth anniversary
"The steely resolve of my grandfather to build Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal) was passed down to my mother," Joy said.
Birth Anniversary: President, PM pay homage to Bangabandhu
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj on the occasion of his 102nd birth anniversary and the National Children’s Day-2022.
The president and the prime minister paid their homage by placing wreaths at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu at Tungipara.
President Hamid first laid a wreath at the Bangabandhu’s mausoleum, followed by prime minister Hasina.
Read: Remembering Bangabandhu on his 102nd birth anniversary
Free entry to Gazipur safari park today
Planning to visit Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Gazipur? Please note -- the entry to the park is free on Thursday.
This is to mark the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 102nd birth anniversary and National Children's Day, authorities have said.
Read: Remembering Bangabandhu on his 102nd birth anniversary
"The entry to the park is free, but visitors will have to pay the charges fixed for separate events inside the park," said the director of the safari park, Rezaul Karim.
The safari park entry fee is Tk 50 for adults and Tk 20 for children above five years. Some 4,500-5,000 people visit the park daily.
Meanwhile, a doa mahfil and milad will be held at the mosque of the park after Zohr prayer seeking salvation of the departed soul of Bangabandhu.
Read:PM pays homage to Bangabandhu
The 102nd anniversary of the birth of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is being observed across the country on Thursday.
Marking the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to Bangabandhu by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32 in Dhaka this morning.