Those who gathered to commemorate the National Mourning Day at the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague on Thursday said it is everybody's duty and responsibility to work hands in hands for a better future.
While paying their homage and tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and members of his family who attained martyrdom on the fateful night of August 15, 1975, the speakers resolved to make Bangabandhu’s dream of “Sonar Bangla” a mission of their own.
The embassy officials along with members of the family, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague along with wife, leaders of the Netherlands Awami League, expatriate Bangladesh community and Bangladeshi students studying in different Dutch universities attended the programme.
Leaders of the Netherlands’ Awami League Mostafa Zaman, Murad Khan and Imran Hossain delivered their speeches in remembrance of the Bangabandhu.
They highlighted Bangabandhu’s ideals, struggle and sacrifices and reiterated his determination for working hard to place the foundation of “Sonar Bangla”.
As a special guest, Badrul Hasan, a Professor of Dhaka University who is undergoing higher studies in the Netherlands, presented a paper titled 'Bangabandhu's political philosophy in development of Bangladesh'.
He highlighted how Bangladesh is attaining landmark achievements one after another in both national and international arena.
Badrul Hasan said Bangabandhu is the integral part of Bangladesh and his contribution to the nation-building is indispensible. "His courage knew no bounds and the word fear did not exist in his dictionary."
Paying deep tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Rabin Baldewsingh, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague, termed Bangabandhu as the best son of Bangladesh who enthralled the whole Bangladeshis with his poetic speech of 7 March.
He described Bangladesh as the country of peace and harmony which he witnessed during his visit to Dhaka in April 2019.
Rabin appreciated the positivism of Bangladeshi people and hoped that their collective efforts would drive Bangladesh towards achieving the dream of Bangabandhu’s ‘Sonar Bangla '.
Ambassador Belal while paying tributes and homage to the greatest Bangalee of all time, the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, drew attention to his unmatched qualities in loving his own people.
He mentioned that Bangabandhu's love, dedication and vision for the country were second to none and his lifelong struggle to liberate the Bangalees from the Pakistani colonial masters inspired many aspiring to be free across the world.
Citing excerpts from “Prisoner Diary” of Bangabandhu, Belal highlighted how Bangabandhu appreciated the spirit of French Revolution as it essentially freed the oppressed from the elites and had, therefore, always stood there for the oppressed.
He mentioned that the untimely demise of Bangabandhu not only made development challenging but also created a scarcity of leadership in the political regime of Bangladesh.
However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh found its lost hope and a way to turn around.
He called upon the expatriate Bangladeshis to uphold the image and profile of Bangladesh in Netherlands emulating the progressive, tolerant and non-communal Bengali values upheld by Bangabandhu throughout his life.
The ambassador also urged all to do their part as a modern-day freedom fighter through implementing ideals of Bangabandhu through their deeds.
He urged all to follow the path shown by the Father of the Nation and devote themselves in actualizing Bangabandhu’s dream of “Sonar Bangla” into reality under the able leadership of his daughter, Mother of Humanity Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Later, a special munajat was offered seeking eternal peace and salvation of the departed souls of the August 15 carnage and for continued peace, progress and prosperity of our motherland.