Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday blasted countries around the world for not speaking up after the assassination of  Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the members of his family on August 15, 1975. "When the conspirators killed Bangabandhu and other members of his family on August 15, 1975, no country in the world spoke of humanity. They didn't even send condolence messages about their deaths. Nowadays, many countries around the world keep singing the song of humanity. But they were silent when Bangabandhu and his family were killed," he said. Read : Metro Rail and Padma Bridge prove AL believes in deeds, not words: Quader Momen was addressing a discussion and Doa mahfil organised by the Bangabandhu Foundation on the occasion of National Mourning Day at Tejgaon College Auditorium in the capital on Thursday afternoon. Deputy Leader of the House Matia Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. Referring to the infamous Indemnity Act, the foreign minister said, "There was a black law that prohibited the trial of Bangabandhu's murderers. Nowhere in the history of the world that I am aware of has there been such a "black law" that prevents the prosecution of murderers." "Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, freed the country from the stigma by bringing the killers of her father and family members to justice after coming to power following 21 years of struggle," the minister said. Read : Will fight back if our movement is obstructed: Gayeshwar Referring to the assassination of four national leaders inside Dhaka Central Jail on November 3, 1975, Momen said the aim of the killers was to completely root out those who believed in the spirit of freedom. Drawing attention to a troubled period during the BNP-Jamaat government from 2001 to 2006, Momen detailed the rise of militancy and terrorism across the country around that time. "With the support of the government, notorious terrorists like Siddiqul Islam, alias Bangla Bhai, emerged. Sixty-three of the 64 districts of Bangladesh were bombed simultaneously. People were killed by bombing in courts during trials," he said. A foreign diplomat went to a shrine in Sylhet and was targeted in a grenade attack that killed three people, including police. More than 50 people, including the ambassador, were injured." Momen cautioned that national and worldwide conspiracies similar to the one that occurred on August 15, 1975, were still being planned. Read : Attack by post-deprived Jubo-Swechasebak Dal activists leaves 12 hurt in N’ganj Referring to the August 21 grenade attack against Sheikh Hasina, the foreign minister expressed his determination not to return to a time of fear and insecurity when citizens were afraid to leave their homes or send their children to school and college. He urged support for Hasina's government, emphasising the collective responsibility to secure a better future for Bangladesh. Executive President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, Advocate Dr Mashiur Malek, Principal of Tejgaon College, and Vice President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, Dr Harun-or-Rashid, among others, spoke on the occasion.

If anyone wants to know about Bangladesh, he or she must know about the Father of the Nation. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is an inseparable part of the nation’s history. Books can help to explore his remarkable life, from his early years to his charismatic leadership during tumultuous times. Autobiographies and other insightful books can vividly depict his struggles, political endeavours, and dedication to social justice. In this article, we have selected 7 best books on the Father of the Nation to help the youths learn more about the greatest leader in Bangladesh’s history. Books by Bangabandhu The architect of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all time, was not only a public leader but also deeply passionate about literature and culture. The proof of this can be found in his three books, ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’, ‘Prison Diaries’ and ‘New China 1952’. The Unfinished Memoirs ‘Oshomapto Attojiboni’ (The Unfinished Memoirs) is an autobiography by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman written in Bengali. In 2004, Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina received four notebooks containing his writing. The writing on the old, worn-out pages revealed that these were his unfinished autobiography, written between 1967 and 1969 while in prison. In his memoirs, Bangabandhu vividly paints a detailed picture of various facets of his life. He expressively recounts his ancestry and childhood years, his experiences during school and college, as well as his involvement in social and political spheres. his story digs into the historical events that he closely observed as a committed political activist, both preceding and following India's partition. He provides insights into the occurrences such as famine, communal riots in Kolkata and Bihar, the partition itself, and the discriminatory stance of Pakistan's central government. The memoir also meticulously documents pivotal moments such as the Language Movement, the emerging stirrings of the autonomy and independence movements, and skillfully captures a blend of immense uncertainties and soaring aspirations that defined the nation during that era. Bangabandhu did not shy away from expressing his perspectives on other notable leaders of the time, such as Maulana Bhashani, A.K. Fazlul Haq, Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Yar Mohammad Khan, Liaquat Ali Khan, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Ghulam Muhammad, Abul Hashim, Khawaja Nazimuddin, Chaudhury Muhammad Ali, Mohammad Ali Bogra, and Nurul Amin. This is the most reliable book to learn about the overall life of the Father of the Nation before the Liberation War. The book was first published in 2012 by The University Press Limited, Dhaka in Bangla language. Since its first publication, ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’ has been published in many languages including in braille as well. Read more: Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? A Short Biography of Bangabandhu, Father of the Nation The Prison Diaries ‘Karagarer Roznamcha’ (The Prison Diaries) is the second memoir by Bangabandhu. Written in Bangla, this book is based on Bangabandhu’s days in jail from 1966 to 1968. Besides discussing the details of prison life, the book reveals the political, economic, and social conditions of contemporary Pakistan. Bangabandhu mentioned political situations at that time, the condition of Awami League leaders and workers in prison, the condition of the media, and the ruthless torture of the rulers. In addition to that, the Father of the Nation also highlighted conspiracy, betrayal, love of nature, devotion to parents, the joys and sorrows in prison in the book. When Bangabandhu was released from prison in 1969, the then government of Pakistan seized his diaries. Four of them were returned later. In 2009, at the initiative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and with the help of the Special Branch, two more notebooks were retrieved. Based on them, Bangla Academy published the book in 2017.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (August 14, 2023) said the government would reward those who can provide information on the killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “If you can give us information, you will be rewarded,” he said while speaking at a discussion at Jatiya Press Club. Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Daily Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Omar Faruk, former Secretary General Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan,among others, spoke at the discussion. Momen also called for unmasking those who kept mum for 21 years about the killers and the persons behind the killers. “All those people should be unmasked.” Describing Canada and the USA as countries with very strong rule of law, the foreign minister said they should not shelter murderers. The five killers who remain fugitives are Khandaker Abdur Rashid, Shariful Haque Dalim, Nur Chowdhury, Rashed Chowdhury and Moslehuddin Khan. Read: ‘Want Bangabandhu's killers to be deported to Bangladesh’: FM Nur Chowdhury and Rashed Chowdhury have been traced in Canada and the US and Bangladesh wants them back to implement the conviction. Momen said the government will be very happy if all the killers are brought back to face justice. “But we are yet to do it. If we can, we will feel that it is a great achievement.” Momen said the government has written many letters to the US and Canadian governments seeking steps for returning the killers; even the PM wrote to the US president. He encouraged the Bangladeshis living in Canada and the US to stage demonstrations routinely in front of the two killers’ residences. Read: Bangabandhu’s vision, ideals will continue to inspire Dhaka-Delhi strong bonds of friendship: Pranay Verma The foreign minister laid emphasis on writing more research-oriented books with solid facts so that they can provide more documentary evidence. The National Mourning Day will be observed on August 15. On this day in 1975, the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members was brutally assassinated. Read more: It's shame for them, FM on countries sheltering Bangabandhu's killers

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the historic six-point day. The premier placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in Dhaka. After laying the wreath in the morning, she stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independence. Flanked by senior Awami League leaders, Hasina placed another wreath at the portrait as the party chief. Also read: Bangabandhu Memorial Museum: Witness to History and Tragedy Later, associate bodies of Awami League, including Dhaka city AL, Chhatra League, Jubo League, Sramik League, Krishak League, Mohila Awami League and Swechchhasebak League placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu marking the historic occasion. On this day in 1966, Bangabandhu launched a massive movement against the misrule of the Pakistanis on the basis of the six- point demand, the Magna Carta of the Bangalees demanding autonomy for the then East Pakistan. Also read: Mujibnagar Day: PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu The Awami League under the leadership of Bangabandhu called for a day-long hartal on June 7 in 1966 throughout then East Pakistan pressing the demand for autonomy to end the exploitation, deprivation, subjugation and tyranny of the then central government of Pakistan on the people here. Ten people, including labour leader Manu Mian, Shafique and Shamsul Haque, were killed as the police and paramilitary East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) opened fire on the demonstrators on the day in Dhaka, Tongi and Narayanganj during the hartal. The Pakistani atrocities intensified the movement for provincial autonomy turning it into the historic mass upsurge in 1969 that subsequently caused the downfall of the reign of Field Marshal Ayub Khan. END/UNB/FF/F

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (May 28, 2023) said Bangladesh has been able to achieve remarkable socioeconomic development in the last 14 years due to a peaceful democratic environment prevailing in the country since 2008 elections. She gave the credit for the success to her party Awami League which formed the government in 2009 after winning the 2008 election. The prime minister was speaking at a programme celebrating the golden jubilee of the conferment of the Joliot-Curie Peace Medal to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Cabinet Division organised the programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) with the PM in the chair. Read more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls Hasina said after getting the people's mandate in 2008 her government has been working for the development of the country in a planned way. “As a result we have been able to reduce the poverty rate and maternal mortality, increase literacy and life expectancy,” she said. “So a peaceful sustainable environment is needed for the people to attain economic emancipation, and all have to remember that,” she said. Denouncing global arms race she put emphasis on settling all disputes through dialogue as Bangladesh did with India and Myanmar. “Why this arms race (going on) now, why will not the money that is being used for arms competition be used for hungry children and humans. For this arms competition thousands of children and women are leading inhuman lives around the globe,” she said. Read more: Bangladesh's upcoming national polls will be under AL govt: PM Hasina In this connection, she mentioned that Bangladesh has given shelter to more than one million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Rohingyas, who faced oppression her 1971. In this regard she recalled the genocide Bengalis suffered in 1971. “We want that peace returns to the world. There shall be no types of unrest (in the world),” she said. PM Hasina said that those who did not want the Independence of the country had killed Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “Every moment we have to overcome their (anti-Liberation forces) barriers,” she said. The prime minister firmly said Bangladesh does not want any unrest and confrontation in the world. Read more: How Bangladesh became a role model for dev: PM Hasina tells Qatar University students in Doha “We want development in people’s lives, and we always want that for every one” she said. She also announced introduction of ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Peace Prize’ to recognise those who are working for establishing peace at home and abroad. “Because we want peace we will surely advance towards the path of peace,” she said. Eminent researcher Monayem Sarker delivered his keynote speech at the programme. Eminent novelist Anwara Syed Haq, former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, former principal secretary and chief coordinator of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury took part in discussion on the keynote. Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Rajshahi BNP leader sued for 'death threat against PM' President of Bangladesh Peace Council Mozaffar Hossain Paltu and Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain also spoke. The PM also released a first day cover and commemorative stamp and unveiled a souvenir publication on this occasion. A documentary on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman‘s JulioCurie Peace Prize award was screened at the programme. Later, the prime minister witnessed a colourful cultural programme organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of the Bengali nation-state and the architect of independence, the forerunner of democracy and peace movement, was awarded the JulioCurie Peace Prize by the World Peace Council on May 23, 1973. Read more: PM’s 2nd visit to Qatar in 3 months bears sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in int’l arena: Momen To commemorate the contributions of world-renowned scientists Marie Curie and Pierre Curie to the struggle for world peace, the World Peace Council introduced Joliot-Curie Peace Prize for distinguished individuals and organisations in 1950 for outstanding contribution to the fight against fascism, anti-imperialism, humanitarian welfare and peace. Among the award winners were World leaders like Fidel Castro, Ho Chi Minh, Yasser Arafat, Salvador Allende, Nelson Mandela, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, poet and politician Pablo Neruda, Jawaharlal Nehru, Martin Luther King and Leonid Brezhnev.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s grandson and trustee of Center for Research and Information (CRI) Radwan Mujib Siddiq, who is credited with connecting young changemakers through the Young Bangla platform, turned 43 today. The son of Bangabandhu's younger daughter Sheikh Rehana received an overwhelming volume of wishes from all quarters, especially youths who were recognized, groomed, and networked through his initiatives. Born on May 21, 1980, Radwan is the eldest among three siblings. His father Shafique Ahmed teaches at globally renowned universities. Radwan Mujib is known for spearheading a series of initiatives to connect young trailblazers under the ‘Young Bangla’ platform. Themed on "connecting the dots", Young Bangla, the country’s largest youth network that operates under CRI, has groomed and recognized 153 champions of change so far, while contributions to society by a number of achievers have bestowed them with top-notch international accolades. Sadat Rahman, who received the International Children's Peace Prize for his anti-cyberbullying initiatives, attributes his international acclamation to the grooming and networking offered by the Joy Bangla Youth Award, a vision brought forth and carried forward by Radwan. Sadat was handed the peace prize by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai. Sadat holds Radwan in high regard as his mentor, stating that the youth award has motivated him to pursue his ambitions. Mohammad Mohasin, a renowned cricketer who won trophies overseas despite his disability and reliance on a wheelchair, posted "happy birthday Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby bhai" on his Facebook page. Dr. Manoshi Saha, one of the founders of Travelettes of Bangladesh, a Facebook-based group of female travelers, explained how the award bolstered their efforts to travel the entire country, a project they call "Bangladesh through the eyes of women." Calling Radwan’s thought behind the award an "inspiration", Manoshi said: "Soon after we received the award, we found our works started resonating well. Initially, we were just a handful of four travelers, but now we have expanded to bigger scales... Like ours, I believe many such youth-led organizations found the award a big push for their work.” Radwan undertook a number of projects adding flesh and blood to history to connect with youths. His brainchildren include Joy Bangla Concert (a concert themed on the Liberation War-time slogan 'Joy Bangla'), Joy Bangla Youth Award (a countrywide initiative to award young changemakers), Mujib Graphic Novel (a first ever comic-style sketch of young Mujib, who would go on to become the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu). His idea of presenting history creatively through anecdotes and vignettes instead of mere dates and names can be traced back to his traumatic experience during his school life when military rulers made his grandfather Bangabandhu a forbidden name. Radwan, co-produced “Hasina: A Daughter's Tale”, a docufiction poignantly narrating the real-life struggles of Sheikh Hasina after the murder of her father in a coup on August 15, 1975. As the editor-in-chief of WhiteBoard, the country's first policy-based magazine, Radwan regularly interacted with youths through the projects he had set in motion. His sister Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, reputed for her fiery speech and biting wit, is a member of parliament in the UK. The long-haired, casually dressed, and exposure-averse Radwan advanced a gamut of storytelling ventures that youths dived deep into, according to social media posts.  

On the first day in office President Mohammed Sahabuddin on Tuesday paid  tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War,  Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 1952 language heroes. He first went to the National Mausoleum at Savar and placed a wreath there  at about 11:40am. for the first time after assuming the office as the 22nd President while he also laid floral  wreath at portrait of Bangabandhu at 12.20pm and Central Shaheed Minar at 12.30pm respectively. A smartly turned out contingent drawn from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented the state salute on the occasion  as the bugles played the last post. Sahabuddin, himself a heroic freedom fighter,  stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the war heroes. The country was liberated from the Pakistani occupation forces on December 16 in 1971 after a nine-month long Liberation War. Also Read: Mohammed Shahabuddin starts Bangabhaban journey as President The President also signed the visitors' book kept on the monument'sl premises. From Savar the president  went to Bangabandhu Memorial museum at 32 Dhanmondhi and placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu. He also witnessed a holographic presentation on Bangabandhu's historic 7th March speech. He signed the visitors' book kept on the premises. Also Read: BNP has no expectation from new President The president also visited the Central Shaheed Minar where remembered the language martyrs. Earlier in the day he received his maiden ceremonial guard of honour by President Regiment Guard (PGR)  morning at Bangabhaban before leaving for Savar. Also Read: Sweets distributed in Shahabuddin’s home district Pabna after taking oath as president His family members and Bangabhaban officials witnessed the ceremony held at about 10.30am. A smartly turned-out contingent of the PGR presented him a guard of honour as part of the ceremony while a band comprising army, navy, and air force played the welcome tune.  

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina today paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the historic Mujibnagar Day. She paid homage by placing a wreath at Bangabandhu’s portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi, Dhaka this morning. After laying the wreath, the prime minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independence. Flanked by central leaders of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, also the president of the party, placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of AL. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh’s first government in exile was formed at the Baidyanathtala mango orchard in Meherpur, under the then Kushtia district. The place was later renamed Mujibnagar as a tribute to Bangabandhu who had been declared as the president of the government-in-exile. Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu. Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed the first prime minister, while captain M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamaruzzaman were made cabinet members. The successful leadership of the core cabinet steered the Liberation War to victory on December 16 that year.  

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh-Japan friendship, a comic book on the struggling life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been unveiled. The cover of the book titled “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu” was unveiled at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was present as the chief guest while Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori was present as the special guest. Professor Fakhrul Alam, director of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Research Institute for Peace and Liberty, University of Dhaka presented the keynote paper. The book has been jointly written by M E Chowdhury Shamim, founder and president of Scholars Bangladesh Society, and Yemoto Kietta, chief executive of Shine Partners Corporation Japan. The book has been published by NRB Scholars Publishers Limited. The book depicts the long struggle of Bangabandhu for the independence of Bangladesh, and his colourful life in this Japanese Manga form. At the same time, the book described the birth of Bangladesh and the contribution of the Father of the Nation to the independence of Bangladesh. By reading this book, readers will get to know the story of Bangladesh and the contribution of the Father of the Nation in the emergence of Bangladesh, said the foreign minister. Prof Fakhrul Alam in his keynote speech said the book has been published in three languages - Bangla, English and Japanese. The publication of a book on Bangabandhu in Japan's popular Manga form will further strengthen the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan, he said. "Japan is our long-tested friend and has been helping us in our development since the birth of Bangladesh. So the book has been published in Manga to express gratitude to Japan,” said Golam Mohammad Alamgir, chairman of Max Group and president of BUET Graduates' Club. "It is very meaningful and instructive that children will get to know the story of Bangladesh's independence through Manga about the long struggle of Bangabandhu. The publication of the book in English, Bengali and even Japanese has given Japanese children the opportunity to know. This initiative will deepen the Japanese perception of Bangladesh's independence,” said Ambassador Iwama Kiminori. “On February 10, 1972, Japanese recognition of independent sovereign Bangladesh is the occasion of this publication. From 14 to 18 October 1973, Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visited Japan, accompanied by his 16-year-old daughter Sheikh Rehana and youngest son Sheikh Russel, who turned 10 on his arrival in Japan,” the ambassador said. He said that during Bangabandhu's visit, the Japanese people strongly supported the necessity of Bangladesh’s independence. “Recalling their experiences in 1945, they expressed deep sympathy for war-torn Bangladesh,” he said. “Bangabandhu opened the door of cooperation and friendship between the two countries. We have come forward to implement many projects, including the Jamuna Bridge, with his ambitious goal. This publication has set a new milestone in the field of Japan-Bangladesh relations and cooperation,” added Kiminori. M E Chowdhury Shamim, founder and president of Scholars Bangladesh Society, said that the book is the first part of a five-part book written and painted in Japanese Manga pose. “An animated movie will be made this year with the first part of this book. Fifty years (1972-2022) of Bangladesh-Japan friendship has been published in this book, which combines the thoughts of Bangabandhu by two writers of the two countries,” he said.

Fugitive killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will be brought back to the country soon, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said today. “We are trying to bring back Bangabandhu’s killers who remain fugitive,” he said while talking to reporters after paying tribute to the martyrs at Rajarbagh Police Lines Shaheed Memorial.  “We are observing March 25 as Genocide Day and we are trying to have it globally recognised as ‘Mass Killing Day’,” said the minister. Also read: Pahela Baishakh celebrations must end by 6pm: Home Minister Senior Secretary Aminul Islam and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were present there. A smartly turned-out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Police presented a state salute on the occasion, while the bugles played the last post.