Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
'BRAVEHEART’: Gallery Cosmos pays rich artistic tribute to Bangabandhu
Since Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and nearly all of his family members were brutally assassinated on August 15, 1975, the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar has always held special significance for Bangladeshis as one for mourning and reflection.
A thoroughbred politician who led a life of constant struggle and sacrifice for a cause, Bangabandhu’s place in history was assured when he led the people of what was once East Pakistan to freedom in 1971, establishing the newly-independent state of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu’s tireless contributions to improving the lot of his people, today’s Bangladeshis, mark him out as one of the 20th century’s tallest leaders. A natural born leader of men, he was also a man of culture - and he proved that from time to time, by always supporting and patronising Bangladeshi arts and culture, as well as the artists.
Read: “The Passion of Drawing-2” by Gallery Cosmos: A daylong tribute to drawing
As the visionary behind all the necessary transformations that Bangladesh needed after its independence, Bangabandhu left an indelible mark in the hearts of all who knew him, and on the fabric of the nation, till he was gunned down along with almost his entire family in a maon on the fabric of the nation remembered with befitting tribute and respect.
Trailer of Shyam Benegal's 'Mujib - The Making of a Nation' premiered at Cannes
The much-anticipated trailer of the biopic on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life titled 'Mujib - The Making of a Nation', premiered on the third day of the 75th edition of the world-famous Cannes Film Festival's Marche du Film section in the south of France.
The 99-second trailer of the biopic, a joint venture between Bangladesh and India directed by the acclaimed Indian director Shyam Benegal, was premiered at the Indian pavilion at 6pm local time.
The trailer launching ceremony was joined by Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Indian Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, Bangladesh Ambassador to France Khondker M Talha, Bangladesh Film Development Corporation Managing Director Nuzhat Yeasmin and others, alongside lead actors of the film Arifin Shuvoo and Nusrat Imrose Tisha.
In his speech, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said, "The film 'Mujib' depicts the glorious life of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his victorious struggle for the nation and his absolute self-sacrifice."
The film also stars Nusraat Faria Mazhar as Sheikh Hasina, and Riaz Ahmed as Tajuddin Ahmed among others.
'Mujib: The making of a Nation' is slated to release in September this year.
Also read: World premiere of ‘Mujib Amar Pita’ held
Arefin Shuvo to attend Cannes Film Festival Tuesday
Popular film star Arifin Shuvo will leave Dhaka for Cannes on Tuesday to attend the 75th Cannes Film Festival.
He will represent the trailer of the movie ‘Mujib’, based on the biography of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In his reaction to the festival, Arifin Shuvo said, “It is very pleasant to me as I am going to Cannes for the first time. It feels to me like dream. I have got the chance to attend the festival. This is a big honour for me. I am grateful to my fans as everything has become possible for them. My love to them.”
Cannes Film Festival will start on Tuesday (May 17). Actress Nusrat Imroz Tisha, who acted in the role of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, wife of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the ‘Mujib’ film, and Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud might also go to the Cannes.
Besides, the Indian information minister along with some team members of the film will also present.
Mujib, film is co-produced by Bangladesh and India and directed by Shyam Benegal. It stars Arifin Shuvo leads the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Also read: World premiere of ‘Mujib Amar Pita’ held
Historic March 7 observed in Colombo
The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo has commemorated the historic March 7 speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam ceremonially hoisted the national flag at the chancery Monday.
The high commission officials then placed a floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu and offered special prayers for him, his martyred family members and the continued prosperity of Bangladesh.
READ: PM releases postage stamp marking historic March 7
The messages of the president and the prime minister were also read out.
Attempt to eliminate Bangabandhu’s name in post-1975 world's biggest crime: Zafar Iqbal
Eminent writer Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal on Saturday said there is no doubt that assassinating Bangabandhu along with his family is a notorious crime but the attempt to remove his name from history is the world's biggest crime.
He referred to the dark chapter of post-1975 Bangladesh where no one could even utter the name of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The noted author and educationist came up with the observations while unveiling the ninth and tenth episodes of CRI-publication Mujib, a graphic novel based on the unfinished memoirs of Bangabandhu at Ekushey Book Fair.
“When I came back to Bangladesh in 1994, I observed that the name ‘Bangabandhu’ was not uttered on television. I was shocked. The man who presented this independent country was virtually eliminated from the country,” said Zafar Iqbal.
Also read: Graphic Novel Mujib to be fascinating to children: Zafar Iqbal
After Awami League came to power in 1996, the writer said, "I and my wife bought a television hoping that now we would be able to see Bangabandhu on television. He was shown on television indeed. Tears of joy rolled down my cheek.”
Bangabandhu in death much stronger than living Bangabandhu: Chief Justice
Newly-appointed Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique on Saturday said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is much stronger in death than in life.
“I think, Bangabandhu was assassinated on August 15, 1975 but he will live among people and we feel Bangabandhu all over the country. So dead Bangabandhu is stronger than living Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu remained alive in our soul. The judges are working to implement his ideals keeping him in the highest place of respect,” he said.
The New Chief Justice came up with the remark while paying tribute at the altar of the National Memorial at Savar on Saturday.
Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice Md Nuruzzaman were present there with him.
Earlier in the day, Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique also paid homage at the portrait of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No 32.
He also signed the visitor’s book.
On December 30, Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, a judge of the Appellate Division, was appointed the new Chief Justice (CJ) of Bangladesh.
Read: Hasan Foez new Chief Justice of Bangladesh
Law and Justice Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued a gazette notification in this regard on Thursday.
Incumbent Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain went on retirement on Thursday as he turned 68.
According to Article 96 (1) of the constitution, a judge cannot hold office beyond the age of 67.
The outgoing Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain paid a farewell call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on Wednesday evening.
US talks about humanity, but doesn’t deport killer Rashed Chy: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has questioned the position of the United States as it talks about humanity pointing out that the country has been sheltering convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury instead of handing him over to Bangladesh.
He said the US talks about “law and humanity” but they sheltered the killer (Rashed Chowdhury) of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which is not justified.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after an event at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city on Saturday.
Asked about any counter-action on the US, Dr Momen said they are not thinking in such a way and that is not the mentality of Bangladesh.
He said Bangladesh does not believe in blame games but wants to work together. "We want to work together.”
Dr Momen said they are discussing internally about the next course of action. “We’ll sit together soon to decide to move ahead.”
He said the Rabid Action Battalion (RAB) has been successful in addressing human trafficking, crime and drug trafficking in the country.
Earlier, Dr Momen, during a telephone conversation, conveyed to US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken that the people of Bangladesh did neither accept nor like the designated sanctions imposed on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its some of the present and former officials.
Read: Bangladesh to continue urging US to send back killer Rashed Chy: Shahriar
“I shared the spirit of the country’s people. They (people of Bangladesh) didn’t accept it. They didn’t like it,” he told reporters at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy recently while responding to a question on his recent telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State.
US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Secretary Blinken reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with Bangladesh on development, economic growth, and security.
"The two leaders discussed the importance of human rights and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address shared global challenges," said the Spokesperson.
Dr Momen explained why the people of the country did not accept it, noting that the two countries have around 50 years of trusted friendship.
Bangabandhu Corner opened in Islamabad
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen Saturday inaugurated a Bangabandhu Corner at the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad.
The corner has been adorned with inscriptions and photographs and books and publications on Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
FM for joint efforts to build Bangabandhu’s “Sonar Bangla”
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said his ministry has been working on multiple fronts to materialize the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build “Sonar Bangla” as guided by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Bangabandhu had given us a dream - the dream of building Sonar Bangla. It’s our responsibility to build Sonar Bangla,” he said, adding that the Prime Minister has made a number of roadmaps to build “Sonar Bangla.”
The Foreign Minister made the remarks at a discussion titled "Chiro Omlan Bangabandhu" organised by Association of Former BCS [FA] Ambassadors (AOFA) at Foreign Service Academy on Saturday.
READ: Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
Dr Momen said they believe the dream of building “Sonar Bangla” will be implemented by 2041 as the country is on the right track of achieving that goal.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the roles of the former Bangladesh envoys and said they are very experienced and steps have been taken to utilize their experiences. “We seek your continued suggestions and hope you all will get engaged deeply.”
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects deeper engagements of the envoys in MoFA’s efforts sharing their experiences and knowledge.
Dr Momen thanked the people of the country for giving Bangladesh Awami League an opportunity to celebrate twin mega events – birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of independence.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted MoFA’s initiatives through economic and public diplomacy wings.
READ: FM Momen greets new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen spoke as special guest at the discussion presided over by former Ambassador Shamsher M. Chowdhury. Former joint secretary Habibul Haque joined as a discussant.
‘Will never stop fighting’: Tulip Siddiq
Tulip Siddiq, a British parliament member and granddaughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has said she will never stop fighting for those who properly recognised and supported her.
The Hampstead and Kilburn MP said this in her twitter handle after being appointed as the Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister).
Tulip’s political success story highlights the ambitions of aspirational women across the world seeking due space in political landscape as they are held hostage to male power, according to political analysts.
In her tweet, Tulip said, "After nearly six years as Shadow Early Years Minister, I'm pleased to be taking on the role of Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister). I'm looking forward to a new challenge in Shadow Chancellor at Rachel Reeves MP's team.”
“Championing the early years’ sector from the Labour frontbench has been a privilege, she said, adding that early education is crucial in shaping children's life chances. “I will never stop fighting for those who provide it to be properly recognised and supported.”
Tulip went on saying, “They truly are unsung heroes. There’re too many people I want to thank for all the support they've given me in holding the Government to account on early years.”
READ: Tulip Siddiq named among most influential individuals of London
As Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years, Tulip said, she has also fought for better support for vulnerable children, looked after children, children with “SEND” and those eligible for free school meals.
“Thanks to all the campaigners and organisations who supported me in this work. I know my successor Helen Hayes will do an amazing job of standing up for children and those working to support them, and I wish her and the new Shadow Education Secretary,” Tulip mentioned.
In May 2015, Tulip was first elected to Britain’s House of Commons from Hampstead and Kilburn in London and she drew the international attention with her maiden speech in parliament.
READ: Tulip delays giving birth for Brexit vote
Tulip, a member of the Labour Party, was reelected from the Hampstead and Kilburn in 2019.
Tulip Siddiq captured a spot on The Progress 1000 list of the Evening Standard in October, 2019 to become one of the most influential politicians of London.