Bangladesh
Hasina-Modi Talks: Focus on connectivity, trade, health
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are set to have “substantive discussions” on this (Saturday) afternoon with the focus on trade, connectivity and Covid-19 cooperation.
The two South Asian countries, celebrating 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations, want to "progress together with others" in the region at a "faster pace".
Neither Bangladesh nor the Indian side specifically mentioned the bilateral instruments to be signed after the talks but disaster management, trade and oceanography are likely to be areas of cooperation documents.
The Indian Prime Minister said the next 25 years will be “crucial” for both the countries – Bangladesh and India.
Modi said his ongoing visit will contribute to even stronger bilateral relations between the two countries. “We’re committed to further deepening and diversifying our relations.”
“Connectivity is one of the issues that might get priority,” an official told UNB adding that Bangladesh wants enhanced connectivity with India and beyond.
Prime Minister Hasina will have a one-to-one meeting with her Indian counterpart at the Prime Minister’s Office before having delegation-level talks at the PMO.
Also read: Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition inaugurated in Bangladesh
In a pre-arrival statement, Modi said he will be having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following their very productive virtual meeting in December last year.
They will jointly inaugurate some joint projects virtually and witness the signing of MoUs between the two countries after the talks.
During the Hasina-Modi virtual Summit held in December last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of an interim agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts of the Government of India in that regard.
Also read: Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi
The two leaders, during the Summit, underscored the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
Modi is scheduled to visit Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, before holding talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna, to pay tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara. He is the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place.
The Indian Prime Minister said he will pay homage to Bangabandhu, alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the ongoing Mujib Borsho celebrations.
He will place a wreath at the Complex, plant a sapling and sign visitors’ book there after visiting the Mausoleum.
He will be offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition.
"I’m particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri SriHarichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message," Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi, as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh, met senior political leaders from the 14-Party Alliance on Friday.
Senior Awami Leaders Amir Hossain Amu, MP and Tofail Ahmed, MP; Syed Nazibul Maizvandary, MP, Rashed Khan Menon, MP, Hasanul Haq Inu, MP, Pirjadda Mostafa Amir Faisal Mozaddedi, Fazle Hossain Badsha, MP, Syed Tayabul Maizvandary, Shirin Akhter, MP and Sharif Nurul Ambia were among the 14-party leaders.
Discussions centred on diverse issues of bilateral relations were held during the meeting to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Modi also interacted with Opposition Leader in Parliament Raushan Ershad, MP, Ghulam Muhammed Quader, MP, Ziauddin Bablu and Ruhul Amin Howlader.
The engagement involved discussions on a wide gamut of issues pertaining to the two countries' bilateral relations.
Also read: Bangladesh proved them all wrong: Modi
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen met Prime Minister Narendra Modiand they both reflected on deepening the fraternal ties and strengthening the all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that transcends a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Modi met the community leaders, including representatives of minorities in Bangladesh, Freedom Fighters, friends of India and youth icons.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Dhaka on Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and together celebrated Mujib Borsho- the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Ministers from her cabinet welcomed Prime Minister Modi. A salute of 19 guns and Guard of honour were accorded to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Soon after his arrival, Modi visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial and paid tributes to the martyrs Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
Prime Minister Modi also planted an Arjun sapling on the memorial premises and signed the visitor’s book in the monument.
He wrote, "I pray that the eternal flame at Savar remains a lasting reminder of the noble victory of truth and courage over deceit and oppression.”
Modi will meet President Abdul Hamid before leaving Dhaka by a special flight on Saturday evening.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen will see him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Int’l community lauds Bangladesh’s remarkable progress
Representatives of the UN and its member states have lauded the remarkable progress of Bangladesh saying it has made tremendous strides over the past five decades and become a development miracle.
They came up with the recognition during the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence on Friday.
The event was organised by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in a virtual platform.
High-level representatives of the United Nations Headquarters, Permanent Missions of different countries and UN agencies along with other dignitaries of the international community attended the virtual reception.
In his video message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres recognised the tremendous strides made by Bangladesh over the past five decades, particularly on issues of social development and disaster preparedness.
He acknowledged Bangladesh’s valuable role on the world stage as the largest troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, as Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and also as a host to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.
“We’ll continue to stand with Bangladesh in tackling the climate crisis and working for the Sustainable Development Goals,” said the UN chief.
Hefazat calls countrywide hartal for Sunday
Hefazat-e-Islam has called a dawn-to-dusk countrywide hartal for Sunday protesting against police action on their anti-Modi rally in Dhaka, Chattogram and other districts.
The Qawmi madrasa-based organisation will also organise nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, Abdur Rob Eusufi, nayeb-e-ameer of Hefazat, announced the programmes at a press briefing in Purana Paltan on Friday night.
Hefazat chief Junaid Babungari published a video message in this regard.
A clash involving Hefazat supporters and police left four people dead and at least 15 others injured at Hathazari in Chattogram on Friday.
Also read: Four killed in clashes with cops in Chattogram
The clash took place when policed opened fire after a group of protestors attacked Hathazari thana compound and Hathazari land office and set fire to a vehicle
Meanwhile in Dhaka, at least 50 people, including several journalists, were injured in a clash between Muslim devotees and police in the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque area in the afternoon.
Clashes erupted when police barred people from bringing out a procession after Jum’a prayers protesting against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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.
Honoured to meet PM Modi: Shakib
Bangladesh star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has said that he feels honoured to have met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Along with Bangladesh’s former captain and current lawmaker Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Bangladesh women team captain Salma Khatun, women team’s allrounder Jahanar Alam, Shakib met Modi on Friday.
“I’m really honoured to meet Prime Minister Modi. I think his visit will be fruitful for both countries,” Shakib told the media after meeting the Indian Prime Minister.
Also read: Shakib Al Hasan: What lies ahead after a dispute with BCB?
Modi is in Bangladesh on a two-day visit to join twin celebrations of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“[The] leadership he has shown for India is tremendous. I hope he'll continue to help grow India in future and our relation with India will get better day by day,” Shakib said.
Shakib was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for one year due to failing to report corrupt approaches made to him to the authorities. He made a comeback to competitive cricket with the Bangabandhu T20 League last year.
Also read: Shakib Al Hasan becomes Daraz’s campaign ambassador
He also made a comeback to international cricket with the West Indies series earlier this year.
However, he skipped the New Zealand tour to stay with his wife who gave birth to their third child. Shakib will also miss Bangladesh’s Sri Lanka tour for a two-match Test series as he is set to participate in this year’s IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Both the Sri Lanka series and IPL are scheduled to take place around the same time.
Bangabandhu would have been proud of Bangladesh’s achievements: Macron
Appreciating Bangladesh's progress, President of France Emmanuel Macron has said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would undoubtedly have been proud of Bangladesh’s achievements.
"Bangladesh indeed deserves our admiration for the progress made in economic and human development, including in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said in a message sent to President Abdul Hamid.
On the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh, he sent the message on his behalf and the people of France with warm congratulations.
"Bangladesh is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its declaration of independence on March 26. This important date in the history of a young and promising State was made possible thanks to the admirable courage of the Bengali people to defend their cultural heritage and freedom at the call of the Father of the Bangladeshi Nation," said the President of France.
Also read: Curtain falls on 10-day celebration marking golden jubilee, Bangabandhu’s birth centenary
In 1971, Macron said, André Malraux called on the world to support the freedom of the Bengalis.
"Half a century later, Bangladesh can be proud of its achievements, and France remains ready to best meet its needs in the areas of the environment, energy, telecommunications, the blue economy and sovereignty in matters of defense and security, in the spirit of an inclusive, open and secure Indo-Pacific space," he said.
President Macron said the Bangladeshi government and people have shown their generosity by welcoming the Rohingyas forced to flee, once again, Myanmar in 2017.
"Your country has asserted itself as a responsible power: it is the main provider of troops for the peacekeeping operations in the world; it defends multilateralism and the norms of international law; it is committed to the defense of the environment and access to essential global public goods, such as health," he said.
He renewed his congratulations to President Hamid and the people of Bangladesh on the fiftieth anniversary of Bangladesh.
ICSF demands constitutional recognition of 1971 genocide
The International Crimes Strategy Forum (ICSF) has demanded constitutional recognition of genocide perpetrated during 1971 in Bangladesh and making “Global Recognition of Bangladesh Genocide” an inseparable part of foreign policy.
The ICSF, which maintains a global connection amongst the pro-liberation individuals and organisations, also laid emphasis on expressing the lessons learned from previous genocides in conducting state affairs.
Bengali diaspora can be a formidable force in terms of securing the global recognition of genocide perpetrated in Bangladesh during 1971, said a media release on Friday.
ICSF, along with members of Australian Bangladeshi diaspora, arranged a programme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the genocide and independence.
As a part of the programme, ICSF and members of Australian Bangladeshi diaspora arranged an online discussion event titled, “Global Recognition of 1971 Bangladesh Genocide” on March 25, which has been declared “Bengali Genocide Remembrance Day” by the government.
Viewers from at least 26 cities of Bangladesh, Australia, UK, USA, Canada, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan logged in to participate in the programme.
The discussion started at 4pm Bangladesh time and was broadcast live through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Columnist Dr Ezaz Mamun from Canberra inaugurated the discussion with his welcome speech.
He provided the historical context of 1971 Bangladesh Genocide and its global recognition. It was followed by one-minute silence in remembrance of the genocide, and then a critically acclaimed documentary titled “Creed for Justice” was played.
At this point, the main discussion began where discussants talked about various dimensions of global recognition of Bangladesh Genocide.
Former Chair of Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Prof Mizanur Rahman moderated the discussion.
At the beginning of the discussion, trustee of ICSF Dr Rayhan Rashid, expounded on organisational stance on global recognition of Bangladesh genocide.
On behalf of ICSF, three specific recommendations were made to the government: Genocide perpetrated during 1971 needs to be included in the constitution of Bangladesh to secure its constitutional recognition; “Global Recognition of Bangladesh Genocide” should be treated as an inseparable part of foreign policy; and there should be reflections of the lessons learned from previous genocides in conducting state affairs.
Bangladeshi parliamentarian Shirin Akhtar mentioned that the parliamentary resolution taken in 2017 on Genocide Remembrance Day is legally non-binding. This is why she promised to discuss with the Prime Minister the point of including the matter of 1971 genocide into the constitution.
She also expressed her willingness and resoluteness to work toward global recognition of the Bangladesh genocide along with her like-minded colleagues.
Member of Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Dr Namita Halder commented that genocide was the highest form of human rights violation. She also promised to ask the government through BHRC to get further involved in the work of securing global recognition of 1971 Bangladesh Genocide.
In response to questions/points raised on behalf of ICSF, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Australia reassured that Bangladesh Foreign Ministry will certainly work with the diaspora to secure the global recognition of Bangladesh genocide.
He mentioned that all the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh around the globe can work in tandem and utilise their networks to further the cause of this global recognition of Bangladesh genocide.
Professor Emeritus of Macquarie University echoed ICSF’s proposal saying that it is especially important for the issue of global recognition of Bangladesh genocide to become a part of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
He also stressed the importance of quality academic research work on Bangladesh genocide.
Another trustee of ICSF said that to secure global recognition, we will have to talk about our own genocide, do our own research, and continue the movement. No one else will do it for us.
Among the members of the Bangladeshi Australian diaspora, Lilac Shahid, Dr Kamal Uddin, Dr Abu Taher Mollick, and Ignatious Rozario also spoke during the discussion.
The moderator took questions from Facebook, zoom, and other social media platforms all throughout the programme and had relevant discussants respond to them.
After the discussion, moderator Prof Mizanur Rahman provided a summary and said, “Till now, 1971 Bangladesh genocide has failed to get recognition. We don’t want to understand politics; we don’t want to become a part of geopolitics and its myriad equations; we just want justice for the crime and savagery perpetrated on our people, on our country, on our motherland.”
Towards the very end, former professor at Queensland University Dr Mohammad Alauddin thanked all the organisers, volunteers who worked behind the scenes, and all the people who actively asked questions and made comments.
He also expressed his hopefulness as he concluded the programme.
Apart from the discussion, ICSF arranged a couple of other events to commemorate March 25: Genocide Remembrance Day.
One of them was a call to don profile picture on social media platforms with hashtags #recognise1971genocide and #recognisebangladeshgenocide to bring people together to demand global recognition of Bangladesh genocide.
The other one was a virtual candlelight vigil – a call to post a short video clip or a still of a candle at the first hour of March 25 to commemorate the genocide and show respect to the martyrs.
Thousands of Bengalis responded to this call from all over the world.
The ICSF is an independent global network of experts and activists operating in the interest of justice for the victims and a long-time campaigner for recognition of international crimes committed against the Bengali populace in 1971.
Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition inaugurated in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Friday (March 26, 2021) jointly inaugurated the Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition in Bangladesh. It was arranged for commemorating two of the most-reputed leaders of this subcontinent, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi, in city’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
The exhibition, a story of Bangladesh and India showcasing the bond of blood and shared sacrifices, was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Modi on December 17 during a virtual summit.
After Bangladesh, the exhibition will move to the United Nations for displaying and later, it would culminate in Kolkata in 2022.
Read '50 Springs of Freedom’ art camp to begin in Chattogram on Independence Day
Historic quotes of the two great leaders will also be exhibited on the walls in the hall apart from displaying photographs and digital contents on different historic events of the two countries.
Key points of interest of the exhibition are a "meeting wall" that displays the only photo in the world that has both Bangabandhu and Bapu in one frame, a robotic signature of both the leaders and their favourite music.
Historical moments like Mahatma Gandhi's salt march, historic March 7, 1971 speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are the areas of main attractions.
Read Two-month long art show on Sheikh Hasina ends with tributes to Bangabandhu
The exhibition will show the pain and suffering of Indian and Bangladeshi people in the genocides by the forces General Dyer in Jallianwala Bagh in 1919 and the genocide perpetrated by the Pakistani army in 1971.
The "genocide tunnel" will show the depiction, the experiences of the many Bangladeshis who were brutally tortured in the hands of the Pakistani army in 1971 War of Liberation.
Photographs on the barbaric torture on Bangladeshi women by the Pakistani army during the country's War of Independence in 1971 are also on display.
Read Art can boost people-to-people ties: Vietnamese Ambassador
Photographs of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on different historic events are also displayed digitally.
A Holographic Time Machine will be displayed historical photos with a timeline and provides a unique interface to the users to reference their time and lives.
Both the leaders visited different sections of the exhibition.
PM's younger sister Sheikh Rehana was present beside her on the occasion.
Read British, Turkish envoys impressed by artworks featuring PM Hasina
Indian Prime Minister Modi is in the two on a two-day official visit to attend the celebrations of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden jubilee of country’s independence.
Both the leaders later attended at the cultural programme and banquet dinner hosted by Prime Minister Hasina in honour of her Indian counterpart.
Curator of the exhibition Birad Rajaram Yajnik briefed the two Prime Ministers regarding the exhibition.
Read Artists did a fabulous job on PM Hasina: Information Minister
He said that after exhibiting for two days at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, it will be moved to Jatiya Shilpakala Academy for one month.
Later, it will be exhibited in Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet for three weeks each.
It will finally be transferred to UN Headquarters for one month where the exhibition will be open for all.
Yajnik thanked Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Liberation War Museum, National Museum, National Archive and Mujib Borsha Udjapan Committee for their support.
Read ‘The Black Story’ exhibition by Gallery Cosmos launched virtually
Curtain falls on 10-day celebration marking golden jubilee, Bangabandhu’s birth centenary
The 10-day nationwide celebration marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country’s Independence concluded on Friday (March 26, 2021).
Greetings poured in for the people and government of Bangladesh on the occasion of the nationwide celebration of the country’s historic milestones in the Mujib Year.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, five heads of the state or government were physically present in the 10-day programme held with the theme ‘Mujib Eternal’ from March 17 to 26.
Read Bangabandhu outstanding political figure: Russia
The celebration concluded with a cultural presentation and fireworks at the National Parade Square in the capital at 8:35pm on Friday.
President Abdul Hamid as the chief guest and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the guest of honour were present at the concluding ceremony chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
On the final day, the video messages of UN Secretary General António Guterres and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were screened, while congratulatory messages from Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, USA President Joe Biden and Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were read out by the heads of their respective diplomatic missions stationed in Dhaka.
Also read: Modi due Friday as main attraction of 10-Day celebration
At the event, Narendra Modi was honoured with ‘Eternal Mujib Memento’. Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana handed over the memento to him.
Later, Modi and Hasina witnessed the cultural presentation and fireworks.
On March 17, President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih joined the inaugural ceremony of the celebration as the guest of honour.
Besides, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa (March 19), President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari (March 22) and Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering (March 24) were physically present as the guests of honour in the celebration.
A large number of world leaders and noted dignitaries including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Pope Francis II, French Senator Madame Jacqueline Deromedi, OIC Secretary General Yousef Al Othaimeen, Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azule and President of the Indian Congress Sonia Gandhi greeted the people and the government of Bangladesh by sending video messages for the celebration.
Also read: 10-day celebration: Dhaka ready to welcome global leaders
Many others, including the presidents of United States, China, Russia, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Cuba, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Egypt, European Council, Georgia, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, Swiss Federation, Philippines, Palestine, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Mongolia and Zambia, and prime ministers of Algeria, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cuba, China, Czech Republic, Greece, Iraq, Kosovo, Montenegro, Monaco, Malaysia, Qatar, Serbia, Thailand, Vietnam, UAE Vice-President, and Chairman of State Administrative Council of Myanmar extended written greetings.
Also, the Queen of Britain, the Emperor of Japan, the King of Belgium, Malaysia, Spain, Sweden and Morocco, the Sultan of Brunei, the Emir of Qatar and many others sent written congratulatory messages.
Sheikh Hasina, on behalf of the People and the Government of Bangladesh and herself, extended her sincere gratitude to all the dignitaries who attended the celebration or extended greetings on the occasion.
Also read: PM releases commemorative stamp marking Golden Jubilee
During the celebration, the India government on March 22 conferred the prestigious ‘Gandhi Peace Prize-2020’ on Bangabandhu posthumously, recognising his immense and unparalleled contribution in inspiring the liberation of Bangladesh, bringing stability to a nation born out of strife, laying the foundation for the close and fraternal relations between India and Bangladesh, and promoting peace and non-violence in the India subcontinent.
At the closing ceremony of the celebration, Sheikh Rehana accompanied by Sheikh Hasina received the ‘Gandhi Peace Prize-2020’ from Narendra Modi.
Read I'm here to hear Bangladesh story sitting next to Hasina: Bhutanese PM
Four killed in clashes with cops in Chattogram
Four people were killed and at least 15 others injured in clashes between Hefazat-e-Islam activists and police at Hathazari in Chattogram district on Friday.
Police and witnesses said Hefazat activists brought out a procession after Jum'a prayers protesting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh visit.
At one stage, they took position in front of Hathazari Model Police Station and started throwing brick chips at the law enforcers.
As police tried to disperse the protesters, they engaged in clashes.
The agitators attacked the thana compound and Hathazari land office and set fire to a vehicle, forcing the law enforcers to fire teargas shells to bring the situation under control.
Also read: Allama Shafi resigns from Hathazari Madrasa
As police failed to disperse the protestors despite an hour of their efforts, they fired several rounds of bullets, leaving at least 20 people injured.
Of the injured, three Hefazat activists and a pedestrian were declared dead after they had been taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
The dead were in deified as Hathazari Madrasa students Mirazul Islam, Rabiul Islam, Jamil and local resident Abdullah.
Five other injured people were admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
Alauddin Talukder, officer-in-charge of Chattogram Medical College Hospital Police Outpost, said nine people with bullet wounds were taken to the CMCH from Hathazari as of 4:30pm. “Four of them died while the rest are undergoing treatment.”
Additional Superintendent of Police (Hathazari circle) Shahadat Hossain said the police station came under attack suddenly. “We’ve brought the situation under control.”
Officer-in-charge (OC) of Hathazari Police Station Rafiqul Islam said the Hefazat followers tried to stage demonstrations protesting the Indian Prime visit to Bangladesh.
Also read: Govt shuts Hathazari Madrasa
“As we tried to stop them, they entered the police station and unleashed serious vandalism there,” he said.
The OC also said the protesters also hurled brick chips and stones towards police without any provocation.
Ruhul Amin, upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Hathazari upazila administration, said the Hefazat activists attacked the local land office following the attack on the police station.
He said the rowdy protestors vandalised the land office, destroyed its files and documents in fire. “They also set ablaze a vehicle of the land office and then attacked bungalows and carried out massive destruction there.”