Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday the Bengali nation that emerged five thousand years ago was never independent, noting that the nation achieved independence under the extraordinary leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"That is why Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the greatest Bengali ever," he said.

The Awami League Joint General Secretary was speaking as the chief guest at a programme on the occasion of the 104th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu and the National Children's Day at the Foreign Service Academy.

He said there was a rebellion led by Titumi, Surya Sen, Pritilata, Subhash Chandra Bose in the desire for freedom, but the desired freedom did not come.

"Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman awakened the Bengali people who had almost forgotten about independence and taught the unarmed nation the mantra - Brave Bengalis take up arms, get independence for Bangladesh," Hasan said.

Then, he added, like Hamilon's flute player, at his call, Bengali achieved freedom by sacrificing a river of blood. "That is why he is the greatest Bengali of all time, the father of the nation."

The Minister visited Bangabandhu's first office at Sugandha Bhavan with underprivileged children at the Foreign Service Academy.

Remembering the thousands of children killed in Gaza by the Israeli army, Hasan said, "On the birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu, we would like to dedicate our National Children's Day to the memory of the thousands of children killed in Palestine's Gaza.

Some 32,000 people have been killed there since last October, most of them were children and teenagers, he said.

Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen, senior officials of the ministry and students of 'Manu Miah School', an educational institution for underprivileged children and adolescents, participated in the event.