Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Bangabandhu believed in peace, dialogue, social harmony: Saima
Saima Wazed, chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neuro Developmental Disorders, on Sunday said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman believed that peace can only be achieved through fairness, justice and equality.
Saima, also World Health Organization’s (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Southeast Asia, said Bangabandhu throughout his life worked towards peace to achieve social equality and harmony while social justice and fairness was at the core of all his works.
READ: Saima Wazed calls for CVF-COP26 resilience action plan to address challenges
She made the remarks at a panel discussion titled “Peace through Inter-faith Dialogue, Culture and Heritage” held at Foreign Service Academy as part of the two-day World Peace Conference.
Saima is the member secretary of the organizing committee of the World Peace Conference.
Philip Ruddock, former Minister (Liberal) for Reconciliation, Multicultural Affairs and President of NSW Liberal Party; Ahmed Mohamed Rashid Aljarwan Alshamsi, President of Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP), Abu Dhabi, UAE; Karen Jungblut, Director of Collections, USC Shoah Foundation, Institute for Visual History and Education, University of Southern California, USA; Dr. Dimitrios Vassiliadis, Professor of Indian Languages, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Dr. Michał Panasiuk, Lecturer–Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw also spoke at the session moderated by David Fernandez Puyana, Permanent Observer of the United Nations University for Peace to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.
Saima, also daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said peace is all about social equality and many people forget how Bangabandhu started and what he stood for. “He started with something so small.”
“He believed in dialogue and standing up for the rights and fighting for those who could not speak for themselves,” she said.
READ: We need to be willing to take the bull by the horn: Saima Wazed
President Abdul Hamid inaugurated the two-day "World Peace Conference-2021" on Saturday that brought together global thinkers, political personalities and peace promoters.
The conference is looking back on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s vision and political struggle for peace.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of the two-day conference on Sunday afternoon.
The conference, being held in a hybrid format through both physical and virtual participation, is also shedding light on the legacy being carried forward by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her “untiring quest” of building a peaceful, just, rights-based, inclusive and prosperous nation.
World Peace Conf kicks off Dec 4 to infuse momentum in peace diplomacy
President Abdul Hamid will inaugurate the "World Peace Conference-2021" on December 4 that will bring together global thinkers, political personalities and peace promoters.
The conference aims at infusing momentum in peace diplomacy and looking back on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s vision and political struggle for peace.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the closing ceremony of the two-day conference on December 5. Both the President and the Prime Minister will join the event virtually.
Bangladesh is hosting the World Peace Conference as a part of its celebrations of the Mujib Year, the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.
The conference, to be held in a hybrid format, will also shed light on the legacy being carried forward by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her “untiring quest” of building a peaceful, just, rights-based, inclusive and prosperous nation.
“Bangladesh will get a special document through adoption of - Dhaka Peace Declaration – which will work as a reference for Bangladesh’s all peace and security-related global initiatives to be taken in the future,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said while briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were also present.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh did not invite any head of states or governments to the conference but invited peace activists, writers, poets, singers and civil societies from different countries to join the conference for promoting a culture of peace and tolerance.
Representatives from 50 countries will join the conference both virtually and in person. Around 59 participants from over 30 countries will join in person while around 40 guests will join virtually. Some of the guests will send video messages.
Read: In eulogy, S African FM calls Bangabandhu, Mandela great visionary leaders
President inaugurates trailer of 'Chironjib Mujib'
President Abdul Hamid inaugurated the trailer of the feature film "Chironjib Mujib" based on "Ausamapta Atmajiboni" (The Unfinished Memoirs), an autobiography of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
An inaugural ceremony was organised on the occasion at the darbar hall of Bangabhaban on Sunday.
President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB that President Hamid enjoyed the show of the feature film.
Hamid said this type of film will help the young generation know about the life and works of Bangabandhu.
The film highlighted his boldness and integrity which will inspire the new generation, he also said.
Read: Censor board issues uncut certificate to 'Chironjib Mujib'
He hoped that new and young filmmakers will produce more movies like this.
On the other hand, the director of the film Nazrul Islam, also the Prime Minister’s Speech Writer, highlighted the background of the film in his speech during the programme.
Jail Killing Day to be observed Wednesday
The nation is set to observe the Jail Killing Day on Wednesday with due solemnity.
Awami League and its associate bodies will pay tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the four national leaders slain in state custody on this day in 1975.
A press release said the Awami League leaders and workers will pay homage by laying wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of the Bangabandhu Bhaban on Dhanmondi Road No 32 on a limited scale following Covid-19 health guidelines.
Tributes will also be paid to the four national leaders: Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Capt. Mansur Ali and AHM Qamruzzaman.
It also said the party leaders and workers will place wreaths at the graves of August 15 martyrs and national leaders.
The party will arrange a discussion at its central office at Bangabandhu Avenue in the city at 11 am.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.
Read: AL to observe Jail Killing Day Wednesday
The President, in his message, said, “The aim of the killers was to erase the ideals of the Liberation War from the spirit of the young generation apart from giving rise to an undemocratic autocratic rule which failed.”
He urged all to work from their respective positions to complete the unfinished works of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build a happy, prosperous Sonar Bangla. “This should be our promise in the Jail Killing Day.”
In her message, the Prime Minister said, “The killing of the four national leaders was the continuation of the assassination of the Father of the Nation along with his family. Through it, the defeated forces and anti-state quarters made an evil attempt to destroy the Liberation War spirit and render the Bangali national leaderless by erasing the name of Awami League.”
She urged people of the country to build poverty-free and happy, peaceful golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Bangabandhu.
On November 3, 1975, four national leaders and heroes of the country’s Liberation War -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, Captain Mansur Ali and AHM Quamruzzaman -- were assassinated inside the Dhaka Central Jail.
The four leaders played a key role in leading the Mujibnagar government, that led the Liberation War effort in 1971 with Syed Nazrul Islam as the acting president, Tajuddin Ahmad as the prime minister, Mansur Ali as the finance minister and AHM Qamruzzaman as the home, relief and rehabilitation minister.
BSA premieres 'Gonohotta Poribesh Theatre' in 64 districts
Marking the occasions of the Golden Jubilee of Independence and the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) premiered 'Gonohotta Poribesh Theatre' (Genocide Environment Theatre) festival on Friday in 64 districts.
Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, inaugurated the festival at Meherpur Government College Campus at 6.30 p.m. State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain attended the inauguration event as the principal guest, while Meherpur Superintendent of Police Md Rafiul Alam attended as the special guest.
Bangabandhu’s maiden UNGA speech remembered with fondness
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a strong advocate of multilateralism and called the United Nations ‘as the centre of people’s future hopes and aspirations.”
On the very first day of Bangladesh’s journey in the United Nations, Bangabandhu delivered his maiden speech to the UNGA on September 25, 1974.
“Our goal is self-reliance; our chosen path is the united and collective efforts of our people. International cooperation and the sharing of the resources and technology could, no doubt, make our task less onerous and reduce the cost in human suffering,” the Prime Minister quoted Bangabandhu as saying at the UNGA in 1974.
He called for building a world to be free of economic inequalities, social injustice, aggression, and threats of nuclear war.
“These are as relevant today as they were forty-six years ago. As such, we continue to lend our voice and leadership to all those issues that aim to build an inclusive and equal society,” said the Prime Minister.
She termed the current the year 2021 a very special year, noting that this year they are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence. “This celebration coincides with ‘Mujib Year’, the Birth Centenary of our Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”
Read: PM joins opening session of 76th UNGA general debate
The Prime Minister, while delivering her speech at the UNGA for the 17th time, paid her profound respect and homage to Father of our Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose selfless, lifelong struggle and visionary leadership brought us our long-cherished Independence.
Bangabandhu, Gandhi share striking similarities in political philosophy: Doraiswami
Upholding the glory of the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and India, the High Commissioner of India in Dhaka Vikram Doraiswami stated on Saturday that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi,recognised as the fathers of their respective nations, shared similar political philosophy and ideology during their individual journeys.
The Indian High Commissioner made the remarks at the inauguration ceremony of Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Saturday.
“This unique, interactive digital exhibition commemorates not just Bangladesh’s 50 years of Liberation, but this also commemorates the striking similarities between the two great leaders. This exhibition showcases their struggles in their individual journeys and their history-making political philosophies that led the creation of two nations - India and Bangladesh,” the Indian envoy said in his speech as the guest of honor.
He added, “This is a very special moment for us to open the exhibition for the public after the lockdown restrictions of the ongoing pandemic, and we look forward to our friends from Bangladesh and India to visit the exhibition and explore the two iconic leaders’ lives and journey through the power of interactive multimedia.”
Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni joined the exhibition as its chief guest, while State Minister for Culture K.M Khalid alongside HE Doraiswami joined the digital exhibition as its guests of honor.
Md Abul Monsur, Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs chaired the inauguration ceremony while Liaqat Ali Lucky, director general, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, delivered the welcome speech to the audience.
Thanking India for arranging the exhibition, Dr Dipu Moni said, “Bangladesh and India have always shared strong mutual friendship and bilateral relationship, rooted from the greatness of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and India’s Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This interactive exhibition is just another example of this wonderful relationship, showcasing the eventful journey of two iconic leaders.”
Read: Doraiswami recalls Bangabandhu’s close association with eminent Indian personalities
‘I look up to Bengali people for justice’, said Rehana in 1983 interview
Sheikh Rehana, daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had demanded justice from the people of Bangladesh for the assassination of almost every one of her family -- her father, mother and brothers.
"I demand justice from the people of Bangla," Rehana said in a rare interview published in Chitra Bangla in 1983.
Bangladesh Awami League shared the interview on its verified Facebook page on Monday marking her birthday in which she expressed all her grief that she had harbored since the assassination of her family members.
READ: Sheikh Rehana shares tales of her father's childhood
The interview has time-traveled to the page of the ruling Awami League on her 67th birthday at a time when the political landscape is entirely different from that in 1983 as her sister, Sheikh Hasina, later reclaimed her space in the country and became the Prime Minister.
Include Bangabandhu’s 7th March speech in curricula: HC
The High Court on Wednesday ordered the authorities concerned to include the 7th March speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the curricula of educational institutions.
It also ordered the formation of an Education Expert Committee to determine whether it would be included in SSC, HSC or the higher level of education.
Read: Bangabandhu's 7th March speech to ever-inspire people of Bangladesh: Envoy
Justice FRM Najmul Ahasan and Justice Shahed Nuruddin passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Bashir Ahmed in 2017.
Attorney General AM Amid Uddin and Deputy Attorney General ABM Abdullah stood for the state.
Read: Bangabandhu’s historic March 7 speech translated to Irish, Scottish, Welsh languages
Lawyer Bashir Ahmed filed a writ petition in 2017 seeking necessary directives to declare the 7th March as National Historic Day and build a sculpture at the stage from where the speech was delivered.
On February 25 2020, the HC ordered the government to declare March 7 as "National Historic Day" and issue a gazette notification in this regard.
Censor board issues uncut certificate to 'Chironjib Mujib'
'Chironjib Mujib', the autobiographical feature film based on the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s autobiography "Ausamapta Atmajiboni" (The Unfinished Memoirs), has received the uncut censor certificate on Saturday.
According to a press release, Bangladesh Film Censor Board (BFCB) members issued the certificate after watching a screening of the film on Friday.
The full-length feature film, dedicated to Bangabandhu's daughters - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, will be released very soon, the press release stated.
Earlier on June 23, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina released the posters of the film through signing from her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital.
Read: Feature film ‘Chironjib Mujib’ to be released in August
She has also evaluated the story and the dialogues of the film.
Md Nazrul Islam, Prime Minister’s Speechwriter, has directed the film and penned the dialogues while the screenplay is written by Jewel Mahmud, also the creative director of the film.
Produced by Liton Haider, the film showcases noted actor Ahmed Rubel as Bangabandhu (main character of the film), alongside an ensemble cast with Dilara Hanif Purnima, Khairul Alam Sabuj, late SM Mohsin, Dilara Zaman, Azad Abul Kalam, Swatabdi Wadud, Somu Chawdhury, Arman Parvez Murad, Shahjahan Samrat, late Selim Ahmed and Jewel Mahmud, in other characters.