The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organised a discussion and a special prayer on Thursday in observance of the 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Chaired by BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor  Md Atiqul Islam, attended the programme as the chief guest held at BGMEA Complex in the capital’s Uttara.

The programme was attended by BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Miran Ali, and Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Directors Haroon Ar Rashid, Md. Imranur Rahman and A.M. Shafiul Karim (Khokon), chairmen of different standing committees, members and officials of BGMEA.

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The programme began with the display of a video on the life and works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The speakers remembered Bangabandhu with deep love and respect. They recalled the memories of Bangabandhu and his struggles and immense sacrifice for the cause of Bangladesh’s independence and its people.

DNCC Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam said, "Over time, the Sens, Pals, Mughals, English, Pakistanis came to this country. They exploited this country, but no one gave freedom. The Father of the Nation, the son of Tungipara, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave us the freedom.”

He regretted that Bangabandhu was assassinated.

The mayor said that there is unfinished task.

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“The Father of the Nation dreamed of economic emancipation. Our task will be to turn grief into strength and contribute to the development of Bangladesh by achieving the target of $100 billion exports by 2030.”

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, "If Bangabandhu was not born, Bangladesh would not have been born. Bangabandhu was a great leader who not only dreamed of independence but also dedicated his life and struggled to bring freedom to people, and to give an independent sovereign state."

He said, “The assassins managed to kill the person Mujib, but Bangabandhu's dreams and ideals continue to inspire the Bengali nation to move forward. Under the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu's dream of Sonar Bangla is becoming a reality today,” he said.

He said the readymade garment industry has made immense contribution to this achievement.

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The BGMEA President called upon everyone to turn the grief of the loss of the Father of the Nation into strength and dedicate themselves to the building of the nation.

First Vice President of BGMEA Syed Nazrul Islam delivered the welcome speech at the programme.

Former BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Mohammed Nasir and general members also spoke at the event.

After the discussion, a prayer was offered seeking forgiveness and peace of Bangabandhu and his family members.