Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
DU celebrates Bangabandhu's birth anniversary with gusto
Dhaka University (DU) and the DU Chhatra League celebrated Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 102th birth anniversary in a different way this year -- by cutting a cake for the most pieces as the clock struck twelve.
DU vice chancellor Prof Dr Akhtaruzzaman and BCL president Al Nahiyan Khan Joy witnessed the cake-cutting ceremony at Jatir Janak Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman hall at 12am on Thursday.
Read:What Was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Childhood Like?
Bangabandhu hall provost Prof Akram Hossen, BCL Bangabandhu hall Chhatra League president Mehedi Hasan Shanto and its general secretary Mahbubur Rahman were also present on the occasion.
After the cake-cutting ceremony, the DU VC handed over awards to the winners of an essay-writing competition. The topic was "Above all parties: Universal Bangabandhu".
Hasibul Hasan Hasib, a fourth-year student of the Bangla department, came first in the competition, while Nurul Huda from the same department and Nafis Sadik from the economics department secured the second and third positions, respectively.
Thanking the hall administration for arranging such a programme, the DU VC said, "Bangabandhu is considered one of the greatest leaders in the world. Today, we are celebrating his 102th birth anniversary because we preserve his ideals in our hearts."
Read: PM pays homage to Bangabandhu
Bangabandhu was born in Tungipara village of Gopalganj on this day in 1920.
"Bangabandhu hall Chhatra League has lined up other activities like food distribution among the street children and supplication programme at the hall mosque after Asar prayer," the student wing of the ruling Awami League said in a release.
What Was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Childhood Like?
Greatest Bengali of all time, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's political wisdom and lifelong struggle gave birth to Bangladesh in the world. In short, his life is a history. From birth to death, each part of his life teaches us lessons. However, we all are well aware of his political and personal life. But how many of us know about Sheikh Mujib’s childhood? This legend of Bangladesh was born on March 17, 1920. Let’s explore all the details of Father of the nation Sheikh Mujib’s early age.
Birth and Early Life
Sheikh Mujib was born on March 17, 1920, in an aristocratic Muslim family in Tungipara, Gopalganj. His father Sheikh Lutfar Rahman was the Serestadar of Gopalganj Sessions Court (Clarke of the court) and his mother's name was Saira Khatun. Mujib was the third child in a family of four daughters and two sons. His parents affectionately called him ‘Khoka’.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life was spontaneous in the green environment of Tungipara. He was the leader of the group while swimming with the village boys in Madhumati, playing ha-du-du, football, and volleyball.
Read Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? A Short Biography of Bangabandhu, Father of the Nation
Education
In 1927, when Mujib was 7 years old, he was admitted to the local Gimabhanga Primary School. The founder of this school was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's youngest grandfather Sheikh Abdur Rashid. Bangabandhu studied up to third class in this school. Later, he was admitted to Gopalganj Public School in 1929 at the age of nine and studied there till 1934. Less than a year and a half later, Mujib contracted beriberi. This disease causes a Glaucoma in his eyes. Due to this, he could not continue his schooling for four years from 1934.
Start Wearing Glasses
Sheikh Lutfar Rahman took Mujib to Calcutta for eye treatment. Kolkata's famous T. Ahmed performed surgery on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's two eyes and advised him to wear glasses. From then on Bangabandhu started wearing glasses.
Read:Bangabandhu was a great strategist: Energy Advisor
Blogger Pial lashes out at Zia for attempts to turn Bangladesh into Pakistan
March 7, 1971 goes down in history as on the day when Bangabandhu's historic speech set the ball rolling towards independence.
But on the same day in 1976, military ruler Ziaur Rahman made a nefarious attempt to revert to the 'Crescent and Star' flag of Pakistan.
Read: 7th March speech of Bangabandhu an eternal source of inspiration, says Bangladesh envoy to Australia
Lashing out at Zia's initiatives to restore the anti-liberation elements, pro-liberation activist popular blogger Omi Rahman Pial has said this in a webinar organized by online platform GURUKUL titled “My Opinion" recently.
"Siratunnabi Mehfil" took place on March 7 (in 1976) on the same spot where Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had delivered his speech in 1971, Pial said.
Though Zia did not make it to the venue, he delegated the responsibility to his deputy Air Vice Marshal M G Tawab, Pial added.
He said convicted war criminal Delwar Hossain Sayedee was the key speaker where ambassadors from Pakistan and Libya were present too.
Read:Bangabandhu was a great strategist: Energy Advisor
The slogan 'Tawab Vai, Tawab Vai, Chand Tara Pataka Chai (O Tawab, O Tawab, Lead us back to Crescent and Star Flag)' was being raised at the spot intermittently, Pial said.
This testify to Zia's effort to revive anti-liberation elements and who he considered as friends, he added.
AL chalks out seven-day programme to mark Bangabandhu’s birthday
The Awami League will launch a seven-day programme on March 17 in Tungipara in celebration of the birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The programme was announced at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi on Wednesday afternoon by AL presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim after a meeting held on Wednesday.
Read: 7th March speech of Bangabandhu an eternal source of inspiration, says Bangladesh envoy to Australia
Sheikh Selim said the current generation is lucky to see the celebration of Bangabandhu’s birth centenary. It will not come again, he said.
The seven-day programme in Tungipara includes a wreath-laying by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Bangabandhu’s portrait at Tungipara on the morning of March 17, where President Abdul Hamid is expected to be present.
Sheikh Hasina will be present in the discussion meeting at 3 pm.
Discussion meetings will be held on March 18 at the initiative of Awami League, March 19 by Chhatra League, March 20 by Labor League, March 21 by Krishka League, March 22 by Juba League, March 23 by Juba Mahila Awami League, March 24 by Mahila Awami League and March 25 by Swechchhasebak League.
Besides, a week-long free medical camp will be held from March 19 to 25 at the initiative of Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip).
Besides, national and party flags will be hoisted at the central office of Awami League, district and upazila office at Dhaka and all over the country on March 17 in the morning.
Read:Bangabandhu was a great strategist: Energy Advisor
Presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Awami League joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organizing secretary BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, cultural secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, office secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, members-Anwar Hossain Faraji, Sahabuddin Faraji among others were present.
Father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee Member Secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Juba League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash and general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Swechchhasebak League President Nirmal Guha and general secretary Afzalur Rahman Babu, Women's League President Safia Khatun and general secretary Mahmuda Begum Krik, Jubi Mohila League President Nazma Akter and general secretary Apu Ukil were also present.
New generations can’t be kept in dark about true history of Bangladesh, asserts PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said in this era of technology the young generations can’t be kept in the dark about the real history of the country, its independence, the sacrifice of the Father of the Nation and the bloodshed of millions of martyrs.
“In the era of technology there is no scope to push them (new generations) to the regime of darkness again,” she said this while addressing a programme celebrating the Historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The Cultural Affairs Ministry organised the programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) while the prime minister joined it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Read: PM releases postage stamp marking historic March 7
She said that no one will be able to foil the independence of the country and no one can destroy the ideology of Bangabandhu.
“The world is very much open to the new generations, so they cannot be confused anymore,” she said.
She also mentioned that vested quarters was able to mislead the young generations for 21 years after the assassination of Bangabandhu.
“But that cannot be done now, this is my firm belief,” she said.
The PM said that Bangabandhu’s historic speech of March 7 will encourage the Bangalis decades after decades.
She recalled that after the assassination of the Father of the Nation the speech was banned by the killers so no one can broadcast and listen to it..
She said it was unfortunate that the speech that inspire the Bangalis to gain independence was banned. .
In this connection, she said that many leaders and activists of Awami League and Chatra League had been tortured and killed for playing this speech.
She mentioned that the anti-independence regime distorted the history of the Independence for long 21 years.
Read:Historic March 7: PM pays tributes to Bangabandhu
“There were attempts to erase the spirit of the Liberation War, bloodshed of millions of martyrs and struggle of the people from the history. Now this is proved that no one can erase the truth,” she said.
“This speech will remain as an eternal speech in the world,” she added.
“This speech still motivates us to go forward and free the country from oppression and deprivation,” she said.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid presided over the programme where Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, among others, spoke.
At the beginning of the programme Bangabandhu’s iconic March 7 speech was played.
Hasina also witnessed the cultural programme.
Historic March 7: PM pays tributes to Bangabandhu
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking the historic March 7.
The prime minister placed a wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the capital at 7:00am.
She first laid a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu as the prime minister.
Bangladesh to observe historic March 7 Monday to draw inspiration from Bangabandhu’s iconic speech
The historic March 7, a memorable day in the nation’s long arduous freedom struggle, will be observed on Monday in a befitting manner.
The day is observed to draw renewed inspiration from the timeless speech Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered before of a sea of people in Dhaka galvanising the Bangalees to take up arms for the 1971 War of Liberation.
In 2017, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) recognised the historic March 7 Speech of the Father of the Nation as a world documentary heritage.
On October 7 of 2020, the Cabinet declared March 7 as ‘Historic Day’ instead of the ‘National Historic Day’ so day is observed at nationally and internationally.
Read: Bangladesh again requests Canada to deport Bangabandhu's killer Nur
On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of Bangalees, had delivered his epoch-making speech of independence at the then-Racecourse Maidan, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka city.
In his 19-minute extempore speech before a million freedom-loving people, Bangabandhu had made a clarion call for a non-cooperation movement asking the nation to prepare for the war of independence to liberate the country from the exploitative Pakistan regime.
“The struggle this time is for our freedom, the struggle this time is for independence, Joy Bangla,” Bangabandhu declared from the massive rally.
In his speech, often compared to US President Abraham Lincoln's historic Gettysburg speech, Bangabandhu said: “Since we have learnt to give blood, we'll give more blood. Insha Allah, the people of this country must be liberated...turn every house into a fort. Face (the enemy) with whatever you have.”
His speech worked like a magic spell inspiring the entire nation to join the struggle for independence from the autocratic and repressive rule of the then Pakistani military junta.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday will join a programme on “Historic March 7, 2022” at Bangabandhu International Conference Center virtually.
Awami League and different socio-political and cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes on the occasion.
Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes while national dailies will publish supplements marking the day.
Read:Sajeeb Wazed highlights Bangabandhu's heroic role in language movement
Meanwhile, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages recalling with gratitude the courageous and farsighted leadership of Bangabandhu in materialising the nation's journey to freedom through his March 7 Speech.
In a message, the President said: “The historic address of Bangabandhu on March 7 will be an eternal source of inspiration not only for us but also for freedom-loving people around the world.”
President Hamid said, Bangabandhu's lifetime dream was to turn the independent-sovereign Bangladesh into a happy and prosperous ‘Golden Bangla’. “We must continue our efforts to fulfil that dream of our great leader.”
He also urged all regardless of their political view to contribute to the implementation of the ‘Vision 2041’, to make Bangladesh a developed and rich country by 2041, adopted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In her message, the prime minister said: “The worldwide recognition of the historic March 7 speech of the Father of the Nation is a rare honour and pride for the Bengali nation today.”
Hasina said, “Last year, we celebrated the golden jubilee of this great speech of March 7 and our independence. This year we are celebrating 70 years of language movement and the Mujib Barsha.”
The PM said, “Bangladesh has gained recognition in the world today as a role model of development as a result of the initiatives taken by our government.”
She also urged all to follow the great ideal of the Father of the Nation and pledge to build his dream 'Sonar Bangladesh'.
Mujib: Bangladesh’s first graphic novel on real life super hero hits book fair
In a world gripped by a growing craze for graphic novels, Bangladesh has presented its own based not on imaginary characters but a real-life hero.
The Mujib Graphic novel, depicting Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life in ten instalments, is Bangladesh's answer to the American DC comics and the Japanese Manga.
The country's millennial can now do without the Demon Slayer or Watch the Titans.
They can enjoy the amazing story of a boy from a rural outback rise like a Titan to slay the demon - the Pakistani military junta, said a press release.
Read: Fair-weather fans unwelcome: Radwan Mujib
France recalls historic moments with Bangladesh
The French Embassy in Dhaka on Monday shared two photos recalling two historic moments with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The historic photos were shared as the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Read:Bangladesh has ample capacity to run “free, fair” election: UK Envoy
“We wish to express our joy to celebrate today the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Bangladesh,” said the Embassy in a message.
Bangladesh promotes culture of peace: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said Bangladesh adopted a 'culture of peace,' which is Bangabandhu's vision who wanted an independent space for human life and human dignity.
"Bangabandhu wanted an independent refuge in the very quotidian life where he or she could be safe from oppression, hunger, malnutrition, ignorance and hatred," said Dr Momen.
He was delivering a keynote speech at the prestigious Emirates Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at Abu Dhabi on the “Vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Global Peace and World Security”.
Read:Dhaka, Tokyo to work together to build prosperous future for all: FM
The foreign minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was an ardent campaigner for peace, justice, and humanity.
He said Bangabandhu gave precedence to the ‘rule of law’. “Even when those same rules and laws were institutionalised to oppose his vision and his political and economic objectives, Bangabandhu never adhered to violence or hatred as a countermeasure," said the Minister.
Momen noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of the world and of world peace is rooted in the vision of Bangabandhu.
During the 66th UN General Assembly in 2011, he said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave the world a six-point multi-dimensional peace-centric development model for championing democracy and people's empowerment.
The six multipliers of her proposed model include eradication of poverty and hunger, reduction of inequality and gainful employment, mitigation of deprivation, inclusion of excluded people, acceleration of human development and including imparting education and technology and elimination of terrorism, Momen said.