Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
August 15 Tragedy: Month of Mourning begins
August, the month when Bangladesh lost its founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, began today (Sunday) in a sombre mood.
A cable of army officers killed the Father of the Nation along with most of his family members on August 15, 1975.
Every year, the ruling Awami League and its associate bodies chalk out month-long programmes on the occasion but this year will be different because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Awami Swechchasebak League on Saturday midnight observed the month of National Mourning Day with a torch procession on Dhaka streets marching towards Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi.
Also read: AL volunteers front ushers in month of mourning
Different political and socio-cultural organisations have also chalked out month-long programmes on the occasion.
This year, the nation will observe National Mourning Day and the 44th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bangabandhu.
Bangladesh Awami Jubo league will distribute the relief to the helpless people and needy people considering the corona situation as part of its month-long programme in the city while Krishak League will also launch blood donation programmes centrally at Bangabandhu Avenue on the day.
On August 5, marking the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Shaheed Sheikh Kamal, wreaths will be placed at his portrait on the premises of Abahani Club at Dhanmondi at 8:30am while wreaths will be laid at his grave at Banani Graveyard at 9:15am.
On August 8, wreaths will be placed at her grave at Banani Graveyard at 9:00am to observe the birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib.
Also read: Month of Mourning: BSA launches 4-week lineup of online events
On August 15, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day, homage will be paid to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 at 8:30 am.
Homage will also be paid to other August 15 martyrs by laying wreaths at their graves at Banani Graveyard at 9:15am on that day.
An AL delegation will pay tributes to the Father of the Nation by placing wreaths at his mausoleum at Tungipara in Gopalganj at 11:00am on the day while special prayers will be arranged at all mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship across the country to observe the National Mourning Day.
Also read: Month of mourning begins Saturday
Besides, a discussion will be arranged marking National Mourning Day at 3:30pm on August 16 at Bangabandhu Avenue on August 17, while Dhaka city south units of AL will organise a discussion commemorating the countrywide series of bomb attacks that took place on the day in 2005.
Bangabandhu’s family members -- Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell, daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal, Bangabandhu’s brother Sheikh Naser, brother-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabad, nephew and eminent journalist Sheikh Fazlul Huq Moni, his pregnant wife Arzoo Moni and military secretary Colonel Jamil were killed on the fateful night of August 15, 1975. Bangabandhu’s daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana escaped the assassination as they were in Germany.
Turkey issues postage stamp on Bangabandhu
The Bangladesh Embassy in Ankara has unveiled a special postage stamp to mark the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Turkey.
The Turkish Postal Department released the special postage stamp with the image of Bangabandhu on Tuesday noon.
Read: PM unveils commemorative stamp to mark Joy’s birth anniversary
This stamp was, in fact, unveiled at a special meeting between Bangladesh Ambassador Mosud Mannan NDC and Director General of the Cultural Wing of the Turkish Foreign Ministry Deniz Chakar, the Bangladesh Embassy said in a release.
The relations between the two countries would be further strengthened with the release of the stamp with photographs in the memory of Bangabandhu, according to Director General of the Cultural Wing of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Deniz Chakar.
Paying deep tribute to Bangabandhu, the Ambassador said that the Father of the Nation "is a tangible symbol of democracy, peace and secularism in Bangladesh and in the international arena".
Read: Bangabandhu's birth centenary: Philippines unveils commemorative cover, stamp
Bangabandhu was a pioneer of humanity, people's power and socio-economic liberation, said the ambassador.
The Ambassador especially thanked the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Postal Service for releasing the postage stamp during the birth centenary celebrations of Bangabandhu.
Dhaka to host World Peace Conference Dec 4-5: FM
Bangladesh will host a two-day world peace conference on December 4-5, marking the ongoing birth centenary celebration of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of independence.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen shared the update while talking to a small group of journalists on Monday.
“We want to do it in-person. We hope there’ll be an improvement in the Covid situation by this time. Initially, we thought it would be hosted in November,” he said, adding that the government is planning to introduce the Bangabandhu Peace Award during the conference.
READ: Dhaka to host World Peace Conference in November
Dr Momen said the world peace conference will be organised with the participation of progressive personalities and intellectuals who are promoting peace in the world.
On the vaccine issue, the Foreign Minister said vaccine doses will come but the health ministry knows about the time and its exact quantity.
He said Japan, being a big friend of Bangladesh, will also send vaccine doses under the Covax facility while China says they have no problem providing vaccines.
READ: Role of MPs important in building world peace: President
The Foreign Minister expressed displeasure as people are not following health guidelines and the infection rate is on the rise. “There’s no alternative to maintaining health guidelines.”
Momen addresses IUT Freshers' reception
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged the students to follow the health directives while continuing their pursuit of knowledge so that when the right time comes they can come forward as an asset to humanity.
“The world is passing through an unprecedented time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But at the same time, we are all moving forward to achieve our goals through adaptation and innovation in this changed reality,” he said.
The Foreign Minister was addressing the freshers’ reception ceremony of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) on Saturday.
Also read: Relations with China as usual: FM Momen
Askar Mussinov, Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology, OIC, Chief patron Prof. Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Islamic University of Technology, and Dr. Omar Jah, Pro- Vice Chancellor of IUT, also spoke at the event held virtually.
Bangabandhu’s support for humanism reflected in his 'Unfinished Memoirs': FM
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s political vision and his unremitting support for humanism and world peace are reflected in his autobiography, 'The Unfinished Memoirs'.
Dr Momen said this in a video message at the launch of the Korean version of Bangabandhu's autobiography in Seoul on Thursday. The event was part of the birth centenary celebrations of Bangabandhu.
According to the Foreign Minister, the Korean version of ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’ will provide a unique opportunity to the "friendly people" of the East Asian country to learn about the life of this greatest Bengali of all times, his universal vision and philosophy, and his contributions to the creation of Bangladesh.
Also read: Bangabandhu's ideals continue to inspire peace and harmony: FM
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul took the initiative to translate 'The Unfinished Memoirs' into the Korean language.
Lee Dong-heon has made the translation and Korean publisher Moraeal LLC will make the publication available both in local book stores in the Republic of Korea as well as on virtual platforms.
Curator of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum, Nazrul Islam Khan, said that ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’ is not only an autobiography but also a record of the political and socio-cultural history of Bangladesh and its Korean translation will help the Korean people to know about the commonality of the two nations in their struggle for independence.
AL plans muted celebrations to mark foundation day on Sunday
The Awami League, the oldest and largest political party in Bangladesh, will celebrate its 72nd foundation day in a restricted manner on Sunday, amid the Covid pandemic.
The anniversary programmes will begin at Dhaka’s 32 Dhanmondi Road on Sunday morning, with the hoisting of the national and party flags at Bangabandhu Bhaban and the Awami League central office.
Read: By-elections: 94 aspirants collect nomination papers from the Awami League
The Awami League and its affiliate organisations will pay homage to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, by placing wreaths at his portrait at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. The ruling party will also hoist the national and party flags at its offices across the country.
A delegation from the Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) will place wreaths at 10 am at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu in his birthplace of Tungipara in Gopalganj while presidium member Lt Col Muhammad Faruq Khan (Retired), Jahangir Kabir Nanak, organisational secretary SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Shahabuddin Farazi, and Syed Abdul Awal Shamim will attend the programme.
Alongside, a discussion programme marking the foundation day of the party will be held at 4 pm at the party's central office on Bangbhabandhu Avenue where its President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will virtually attend the programme.
Read: Politics in Bangladesh is too polarized and divisive, says Obaidul Quader
Party general secretary Obaidul Quader has already called up all party and associate bodies' leaders, activists and followers and urged them to organise programmes in a limited manner maintaining all Covid-safety protocols.
The party began its journey on June 23 in 1949, when a young, secular and progressive section of the Muslim League formed the East Pakistan Awami Muslim League, at a meeting in the historic Rose Garden on KM Das Lane in Dhaka’s Tikatuli.
Maulana Abdul Hamid Bhashani was elected as the founding president, and Shamsul Hoque was named the general secretary.
Read:Govt takes tough stance against corruption : Quader
In July 1953, during the Second National Council meeting of the party, Bhashani was re-elected president, and the Father of the Nation was named the new general secretary.
Govt’s focus is both on life and livelihood: Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the government with its limited resources is trying to improve the lifestyle of the people at the grassroots.
"With our limited resources, we’re trying to reach the common people and grassroots ones for improving their lives and livelihoods. That's our aim," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said this while distributing 53,340 well-built semi-pucca homes along with land ownership documents among homeless and landless families across the country in the second phase under the Ashrayan-2 project.
Read:PM to distribute over 53,000 new homes to the homeless Sunday
The highest 12,436 houses were given in Rangpur division, while 10,547 in Chattogram, 7,630 in Dhaka, 7,172 in Rajshahi, 7,153 in Barishal, 911 in Khulna, 2512 in Mymensingh and 1979 in Sylhet divisions.
The Prime Minister virtually joined the distribution programme from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Hasina said the government, since assuming power, has been trying to help the ultra-poor in every way and the result of which is now visible. "The ultra-poor are gradually learning to stand on their feet …they’re coming up…that’s what we want."
She mentioned that the government’s main target is to improve the living standard of the people at the grassroots by engaging them in livelihood activities.
Read:International vaccine institute to be set up in Bangladesh: Hasina
The economic policy of the government is to ensure resources up to rural level in addition to ensuring their access to education and healthcare, Hasina said adding, ``That's the policy of the Awami League and that’s what the Father of the Nation taught us.”
"When one gets a home, he or she is thrilled with joy and happiness, and that becomes visible on their smiling faces. I want nothing more than that," she said.
Model mosques to inspire all to understand essence of Islam: Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday hoped that the model mosques will help spread the essence of Islam and its inspirational practices and culture to all irrespective of their religions and castes.
“The culture and messages of Islam will have an enormous attention of all through these model mosques. The people of the country, irrespective of their religions and castes, will be able to comprehend the essence of Islam,” she said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural function of 50 luminous model mosques newly-constructed across the country, fulfilling one of her election pledges.
Read: Hasina inaugurates 50 spectacular model mosques
She opened the 50 model mosques virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban on the occasion of the Mujib Year.
The landmark mosques have been built as part of the government’s move to set up 560 such mosques-cum-centres of excellence at district and upazila levels, aiming to spread Islamic fraternity, real Islamic values and practices, conduct research, create strong infrastructures for prayers for both men and women, provide religious teaching and training and enhance public awareness against social diseases.
Hasina said Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country. “So, it’s essential that Islamic rituals and values are practised here properly in addition to promotion of Islamic culture.”
“We’ve already completed the construction of 50 mosques, out of 560, so that Bangladesh can also substantially contribute to preaching and spreading of our holy religion – Islamic - in the future,” she said.
The Prime Minister said today is really a delightful and glorious day as Bangladesh has emerged as a developing country following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who had served a lot for Islam and set up the Islamic Foundation.
She called upon all to be more conscious and mindful to keep this society free from the curses of child marriage, dowry, violence against women, and drugs. “You’ll have to create awareness against these (social menaces). We’ve built these model mosques in that way.”
Hasina said urged Islamic scholars (Ulema), teachers and guardians to make efforts to keep the young generation away from the path of militancy as it tarnishes the image of the holy Islam.
Read:PM to inaugurate 50 model mosques on Thursday
She said militancy has been allowed to grow in the name of Islam. “Killing people and unleashing militancy in the name of Islam were seen not only in Bangladesh but also elsewhere in the world.”
Mentioning that the militants believe that they will go to the heaven by killing people, Hasina said, “Can anyone say who has made his or her way into the heaven by killing people? No one can say that. But they (militants) have badly damaged the image of the holy Islam.”
Stressing that Islam is the best religion in the world, she said, the most unfortunate matter is that a handful of people has given a bad name to the holy religion by creating militancy, killing people and blasting bombs. “It not only undermines the sanctity of our religion but also tarnishes its image throughout the country,” she added.
The Prime Minister said Islam is the most tolerant religion as it allows all to enjoy their rights and teaches for treating all people as human beings.
Referring to the glorious history of Muslims in knowledge and science, she said the Muslims had once been the progressive community in the practice of knowledge in every sector. “But why’re the Muslims lagging behind today?” she said.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the inaugural function, joining it from Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.
Later, Hasina heard speeches from devotees virtually from model mosques in Khulna, Rangpur and Sylhet.
On April 5, 2018, Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the construction of Model Mosques and Islamic Cultural Centres involving Tk 8,722 crore.
Read: Model mosques: A unique Mujib Borsho gift
Hasina inaugurates 50 spectacular model mosques
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday opened 50 luminous model mosques newly-constructed across the country, fulfilling one of her election pledges.
The landmark mosques have been built as part of the government’s move to set up 560 such mosques-cum-centres of excellence at district and upazila levels, aiming to spread Islamic fraternity, real Islamic values and practices, conduct research, create strong infrastructures for prayers for both men and women, provide religious teaching and training and enhance public awareness against social diseases.
Read: PM to inaugurate 50 model mosques on Thursday
The Prime Minister opened the 50 model mosques virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban on the occasion of the Mujib Year.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the inaugural function, joining it from Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.
The 50 mosques are at Savar upazila in Dhaka, Madhukhali and Saltha upazilas in Faridpur; Pakundia and Kuliarchar upazilas in Kishoreganj; Shivalaya upazila in Manikganj; Rajbari sadar upazila, Shariatpur sadar and Gosairhat upazilas, Shariakandi, Sherpur and Kahaloo upazilas in Bogura, Sapahar and Porsha upazilas in Naogaon; Sirajganj sadar upazila, Chatmohar upazila in Pabna; Godagari and Paba upazilas in Rajshahi; Khansama and Birol in Dinajpur, Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat; Panchagarh sadar and Debiganj upazilas; Rangpur sadar upazila; Mithapukur, Pirgonj and Badargonj upazilas, Haripur upazila in Thakurgaon; Subarnachar upazila in Noakhali, Gafargaon and Tarakanda upazilas in Mymensingh; Lohagara, Mirsarai and Sandwip upazilas in Chittagong, Jamalpur sadar and Islampur upazilas; Nabinagar and Bijoynagar upazilas in Brahmanbaria, Bhola sadar, Dakshinsurma upazila in Sylhet; Daudkandi upazil in Cumilla, Panchari upazila in Khagrachhari; Kushtia sadar, Khulna; Kachua upazila in Chandpur; Rajapur upazila in Jhalakathi and Chuadanga sadar upazila.
Read:6-points anniversary: Bangladesh to keep advancing with dignity, says PM
Big-B Initiative to bring more investment to Bangladesh: Shahriar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (Big-B) Initiative of Japan will accelerate cooperation for development of quality infrastructure and create more investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
These, he said, will also strengthen regional connectivity.
Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki met the state minister on Tuesday and comprehensively discussed the bilateral relations and issues of common interests.
Read: COVAX Facility: Japan to provide 30mn vaccine doses to other countries
They also reviewed the progress of the Japan-funded major development projects.
Recognising Bangladesh’s leadership role in the climate change discourse, the Ambassador said the Japanese investors are willing to invest in clean energy.
Bangladesh and Japan agreed to work together to tackle the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both sides recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s groundbreaking visit to Japan in 1973 which laid the rock-solid foundation of the bilateral relations.
The state minister conveyed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s participation at the event celebrating Bangabandhu’s birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.
Read:COVID-19 Response: Japan provides ASEF equipment to Bangladesh
The two sides agreed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022 in a befitting manner, including through exchange of high-level visits.
State Minister Shahriar Alam stated that the Covid-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenging time for all and thanked the government of Japan for the Covid-related assistance.
He briefed the Japanese envoy on the initiatives taken by the government to combat the pandemic and sought support from Japan to continue its fight against the virus.
Japanese Ambassador highly appreciated the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh, even during the pandemic, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and assured of continued support to Bangladesh to deal with the Covid situation.
Read: One step closer to completing historic Metro Rail project in Bangladesh: Japan
Alam underscored that if 1.1 million Rohingyas were denied the opportunity to return to their ancestral homes in the Rakhaine state of Myanmar and it could have ramifications for regional and international security and stability.
He also urged Japan to use her influence to persuade Myanmar and the international community to create a conducive environment within Myanmar for safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas.
The Ambassador reiterated Japan’s commitment of continued support for Rohingya repatriation.