Liberation War
Bangladesh proved them all wrong: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Bangladesh has proven all of them wrong who had objected to its creation, looked down upon the people and had apprehensions about the existence of the country.
“I am pleased that under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s able leadership, Bangladesh is showing its dynamism to the world,” he said.
Modi said the world did not talk as much about the cruelty, oppression and atrocities of ‘Operation Searchlight’ as it should have.
He was addressing the special programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, among others, were present.
The Indian Prime Minister was pleased that many Indian soldiers who were part of the Liberation War were also there with them at the special event.
“The struggle for the Liberation of Bangladesh was also one of the first movements that I took part in," Modi said, adding: “I must have been 22 or 23 years old, when along with many of my friends, I did satyagraha, (a form of passive resistance), for the liberation of the people of Bangladesh.”
As part of his efforts to support the liberation of Bangladesh, he also courted arrest and had a taste of life in prison.
“That is to say, there was as much of a longing for Bangladesh’s freedom in India, as there was in Bangladesh," Modi said.
Also read: Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi
The images of the heinous crimes and atrocities committed by the Pakistani army here, made their blood boil too, and gave them countless sleepless nights!
Inspired by the common legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian Prime Minister said they have no time to lose, they must move forward for change, and they cannot delay any further.
He said the two countries' goals are common; therefore, their efforts should also be united. “We therefore need to further boost our efforts, add new dimensions to them, and take them to new heights,” he said.
Modi said he is confident that India and Bangladesh together will progress at a fast pace. “The love that you have showered on me, the brotherhood for India, this feeling of oneness – I will most certainly convey this to every Indian.”
The Indian Prime Minister, upon arrival here, visited National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar and paid tributes to martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. He signed Visitors' Book there after planting a sapling.
Also read: Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition inaugurated in Bangladesh
"On behalf of the people of India, I pray that the eternal flame at Savar remains a lasting reminder of the noble victory of truth and courage over deceit and oppression," he wrote.
He said their valour will continue to inspire future generations to fight injustice and defend the cause of righteousness.
"May every visitor to this revered ground honour the sacred memory of the millions who were slain but not silenced," Modi wrote.
Act responsibly to make independence meaningful: President
President Abdul Hamid on Friday urged the people to carry out their respective duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity to make independence meaningful and disseminate its benefits among the mass people.
He said the country achieved its independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu after a Liberation War lasting nine months and costing many lives.
“Therefore, we have to carry out our respective duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity in order to make our independence meaningful and disseminate the benefits of independence among mass people. In imparting our duties in personal, family, social, political and state related affairs, we need to behave very responsibly,” he said.
President Hamid made the remarks while addressing the final day of 10-day special programme 'Mujib Chirantan' as chief guest marking 50 years of independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Parade Ground.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi attended the celebrations in the afternoon as special guest.
Hamid said that people need to develop able leadership, emphasising principles, ethics and ideals in all sectors.
The President said the development of the country and people are not the sole responsibility of the political leadership. Rather, as citizens of an independent country, it is the duty and responsibility of all.
Mentioning independence as the right of the people, the President said the true meaning of freedom can only be achieved if it is used properly without limiting it within the accomplishment of rights. Again, the beauty of freedom diminishes with its inappropriate use. Liberation and arbitrariness cannot be treated in the same manner.
Terming India as the closest neighbour and a trusted friend of Bangladesh, President Hamid recalled with deep appreciation the unstinting moral and material support that the political leaders and people of India extended to Bangladesh during our Liberation War.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid to receive coronavirus vaccine tomorrow
Hamid also remembered with profound respect the heroes of Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in our great Liberation War and expressed sincere thanks to the Government of India for the decision to confer the ‘Gandhi Peace Prize 2020’ upon Bangabandhu posthumously in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
The President hoped that the visit of the Prime Minister of India will further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
Celebration of the Birth Centenary is an admirable initiative to know and realise Bangabandhu. The President said: “In place of the ceremonial components of the celebration, we need to put emphasis on educating our new and future generations about the life, work, principles and ideals of Bangabandhu. Initiatives need to be taken so that we can represent Bangabandhu in the international arena in different languages.”
Hamid also called upon researchers, historians and politicians to play pioneering role in this regard.
He shared his direct observation how India had supported and co-operated with us during our glorious War of Independence. At least 10 million people from then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) took shelter in India. At that time, the government and people of India provided shelter to our 10 million people, arranged their food, provided training to the freedom fighters, supplied weapons, conducted diplomatic efforts to obtain the support of the outside world in favour of our fight for independence, and also a number of Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives as members of the allied force.
This is a unique example in the history of empathy and humanity, Hamid said.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid wants closer ties with Canada
'Friendship to all, malice to none'- following the policy of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh is successfully advancing in the diplomatic arena by developing bilateral and multilateral relations. The land boundary agreement with India has already been implemented and the maritime boundary dispute has been resolved peacefully.
President Hamid said bilateral talks aimed at resolving other unresolved issues are being held regularly and hoped that these unresolved issues will be settled amicably and in a dignified way soon.
Prime Minister Hasina received Modi at the VVIP tarmac of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) upon his arrival by a special flight in the morning.
The Indian Prime Minister was received by 19 gun salutes and given the guard of honour.
He visited the National Martyrs Memorial at Savar and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city to pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu.
Also read: President Abdul Hamid reaches Geneva
Modi placed wreaths and planted a sapling at the National Martyrs Memorial and signed the visitors’ book there. He also placed wreaths on the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and signed the visitors’ book.
He jointly inaugurated Bangabandhu-Bapu Museum and attended a state banquet preceded by a cultural programme hosted by Prime Minister Hasina.
Modi will have a one-to-one meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart and hold bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office. He will also meet President Hamid at Bangabhaban on March 27.
Narendra Modi arrived here on a two-day state visit to attend the twin mega celebrations marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation and 50 years of independence.
Independence Day: President, PM pay tributes to martyrs of Liberation War
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar on Friday morning, marking Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day.
This year, the country is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its Independence.
President Hamid first placed wreaths at the altar of the memorial followed by the Prime Minister.
After placing the wreaths, the President and the Prime Minister stood there in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the 1971 great Liberation War.
Genocide Day observed in Jordan
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Amman, Jordan has observed the Genocide Day 2021 with due solemnity.
Due to the ongoing lockdown and social distancing measures of the Jordanian government, the Embassy had to arrange the event in a very limited scale.
A number of Bangladesh community members living in Amman joined the Embassy officials and staff members in commemorating the Genocide Day, said a media release on Thursday night.
The programme commenced with the reading out of verses from the Holy Quran.
Then, a one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the martyrs of 25th March and the War of Independence.
Mission in New Delhi observes Genocide Day
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday observed the Genocide Day.
The programme began with a moment of silence in remembrance of those who were killed on the fateful night of 25 March 1971 as well as the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Reading out of the messages from President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the Genocide Day, screening of a documentary on the 1971 Genocide by the Pakistan Army and a discussion on the significance of the day were the highlights of the programme.
At the discussion, Minister (Consular) of the High Commission Selim Md Jahangir said that in the name of 'Operation Searchlight’, the Pakistani aggressors wanted to stop the resistance of the independence-seeking people and committed the most brutal killings in the history throughout the country.
Also read: One-Min blackout to mark Genocide Day
He said the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested by the Pakistani army in the early hour of 26 March 1971 but before that he declared the Independence and with the direction of Bangabandhu Bangladesh achieved victory on 16 December 1971.
Acting High Commissioner Rokebul Haque said, "Observing this day as the genocide day is a recognition of the great sacrifices made by the Bengalis during the Liberation War of Bangladesh."
He remembered with deep reverence all the martyrs who were killed during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Rokebul Haque also remembered the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with profound respect under whose leadership Bangladesh achieved Independence through a nine-month long blood stained war.
Also read: Bangladesh Mission in Delhi observes Genocide Day
He claimed that the horrific genocide of 1971 is a black mark not only in the history of Bangladesh but also for the entire humanity.
At the end of the programme a special prayer was conducted for the salvation of the departed souls of all the martyrs of the liberation war of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh set to celebrate Independence Day Friday
Bangladesh, a newly-emerged developing nation, is all set to celebrate its 50th Independence Day on Friday with remarkable socio-economic progress.
This year’s Independence Day bears more significance as the country is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence alongside the birth centenary celebration of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
A 10-day special programme marking the 50 years of independence and the birth centenary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that started on March 17 at the National Parade Square will end on Friday.
Indian Prime Minister Modi will join the celebrations.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records 3-month high 34 deaths; 3,587 fresh cases
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering also attended the 10-day special programme in person.
Many global leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Francis, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay sent messages, marking the celebrations.
On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared 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 independence on December 16, 1971.
Also read: With focus on taking ties to a new height, Modi arrives Friday
The day will begin with a 50 gun-salute which is a public holiday.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the people of the country at home and abroad.
President Abdul Hamid, in his message, said, “On the eve of 'Mujib Barsho' and the Golden Jubilee of our Independence, with the joint efforts of all, may our beloved motherland become a developed country free from hunger and poverty -- this is my expectation on the great Independence Day.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said, “The independence earned through the supreme sacrifices of millions of people is the greatest achievement of Bangalee Nation. To ensure that the achievement remains meaningful, all have to know the true history of our great Liberation War and respect the spirit of independence. The spirit of the Liberation War has to be propagated from generations to generations.”
Also read: Bangladesh celebrates Independence Day with caution
“Let’s vow on this auspicious occasion of the Golden Jubilee of independence- imbued with the spirit of the Great War of Liberation, we all together will build hunger- poverty- and illiteracy-free Golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she added.
National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
List of 1,47,537 freedom fighters published
The government on Thursday (Mar 25, 2021) published a list of 1,47,537 freedom fighters and another list of 191 martyred intellectuals after scrutiny.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque unveiled the lists at his ministry in the afternoon which will be published at its website on Thursday (Mar 25, 2021).
In the next phase, he said, another list of freedom fighters and martyred intellectuals will be published on June 30 after scrutiny.
Also read: Govt to build 30,000 houses for insolvent freedom fighters
Besides, the list of gazetted freedom fighters will be published by April 30, the minister said, adding that no new application for including names in the freedom fighters’ list will be allowed.
Those who have already submitted their applications can submit appeals, he added.
The list of the gazetted freedom fighters prepared by different forces, including the Army, has been cancelled and the list made by the Army was controversial but their allowance is still active, Mozammel said.
Also read: Obaidul calls for ending divisions between freedom fighters
“We’re scrutinising those who were the real freedom fighters in the forces. We believe the right number will be 8,000-10,000,” he said.
“For providing a cent percent error-free list we took time, but still there might be some mistakes, but it won’t a big one,” the minister stated adding, “Today, we’ve published 1,47,537 names and after scrutiny the number of total freedom fighters won’t go beyond 1,70,000.”
Also read: Home Minister provides assistance to Freedom Fighters
Replying to a question about the enlistment of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad in the list, he said their names have been included as they have fought the Liberation War but the misdeeds committed by them, including abetting the assassins of Bangabandhu will be mentioned beside their names in the list, Haque said.
“As freedom fighters, its their achievement, no one can snatch it from them.” He said, adding, “A committee has been formed over revoking their gallantry title Bir Uttam. Bir Uttam is honour and any government can honour anyone and also can revoke it for other offences.”
Also read: 1,256 more included in freedom fighter list
On February 9, the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) at a meeting discussed the ways to revoke the gallantry title of Ziaur Rahman for ‘violating’ the constitution, ‘abetting’ the self-proclaimed killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in escaping the country.
Bir Uttam, the second-highest award for individual gallantry in Bangladesh, was conferred on Ziaur Rahman for his contributions to the Liberation War as a sector commander.
You May also like Move to revoke Zia's title: BNP announces fresh protest prog
Nasrul Hamid asks GSB to further expand activities
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid asked the officials of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) to further expand the organisation’s activities across the country.
He also directed them to use modern technology and equipment in their research and survey operation.
Also read: Will ensure uninterrupted power during irrigation season: Nasrul Hamid
He made the call while addressing a reception of the freedom fighters of the GSB and families of the late freedom fighters on the occasion of celebration of Golden Jubilee of the Independence and also commemorating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman held at GSB Headquarters in the city on Thursday.
GSB director general Dr Sher Ali presided over the function.
Nasrul Hamid urged the GSB officials to set up a modern laboratory and training centre.
Also read: Berc asked to regulate LPG price: Nasrul Hamid
“The government will extend full support if you take initiative to set up a modern lab to further facilitate your activities”, he told the function.
The State Minister said the GSB has to contribute to the development of the country by exploring and inventing natural sources.
“The spirit of our great Liberation War should be reflected in every initiative of the GSB”, he said.
Also read: Extraction of local coal for power generation not feasible: Nasrul Hamid
BNP brings changes to Independence Day prog
BNP on Thursday brought changes to its programmes to celebrate the 50th Independence Day on Friday due to the worsening Covid situation and different restrictions imposed by the government.
As part of the changed programmes, the party will hoist national and party flags atop its all offices, including Nayapaltan central one, in the morning.
Also read: Covid-19: BNP postpones Golden Jubilee progs until March 30
The senior leaders of Dhaka district unit BNP, on behalf of the party, will pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Mausoleum, Savar at 8:30am.
Later, BNP standing committee members will place a wreath at the mazar of their party founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Banglanagar in the capital at 11:30am to mark the day.
The party will also hold a virtual discussion at 3pm, said a press release.
It urged the party leaders and activists to hoist national and party flags atop its all offices across the country and place wreaths at the National Mausoleum maintaining health safety rules.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records 3-month high 34 deaths; 3,587 fresh cases
Earlier on February 24, the party announced that BNP standing committee members will place wreaths at National Memorial in Savar.
The party also had a plan to take out a rally at Nayapaltan in the afternoon and arrange some other programmes, including discussion and blood donation programmes.
In the wake of a fresh spike in coronavirus transmission, BNP on Wednesday postponed its all the programs chalked out to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of independence until March 30.
Also read: BNP launches year-long Golden Jubilee programmes
Bongo to release Liberation War based film 'Noybeddya' on Independence Day
Bongo, Bangladesh’s first and largest Bangla content video streaming platform, will launch the worldwide digital premiere of the web film 'Noybeddya' on the Independence Day on March 26.
Based on 1971 Liberation War for Bangla speaking audiences around the world, the story of 'Noybeddya' centres around the rescue of a woman who was trapped by Pakistani soldiers during the War of Liberation, and the life struggle of her child in the post-war society.
From the story written by Shyamal Chandra and the screenplay written by Mannan Hera, 'Noybeddya' is jointly directed by Shabdik Shahin and Shehanur Rahman Asif.
Also read: Valentine's Day: Bongo to air 3 new romantic dramas
Popular actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha has played the role of Birangana in the film, while the other characters are projected by noted actors including Tariq Anam Khan, Hasan Imam, Deepak Karmakar, Saika Ahmed, Shahajan Samrat and Raunak Hasan, in a special role.
“Bangladesh is about to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our great Independence Day. A festive atmosphere is already prevailing in Bangladesh, but since it is Bangladesh’s Golden Jubilee, a little more dimension has been added to the festival,” Bongo said in a press release on Tuesday.
Also read: Bongo releases new horror series '2 Mad Men'
Regarding the world digital premiere of 'Noybeddya', Mushfiqur Rahman, Chief Content Officer of Bongo said, “We are excited to bring a web film about the Liberation War such as ‘Noybeddya' to the Bangla content-loving audience. Hopefully, this web film will exceed the expectations of the audience.”
Viewers will be able to enjoy Fruit Fun Biscuit presents 'Noybeddya' from Bongo’s Android/iOS apps and website (www.bongobd.com) from March 26 and onwards.