Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Secret documents on Bangabandhu to be nice resources for researchers: Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the publication of “Secret Documents of Intelligence Branch on Father of the Nation, Bangladesh: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will be excellent resources for researchers on Bangladesh’s politics and history as these unveiled how the Pakistani government snooped on Bangabandhu and his family.
“The real and complete history of the country from Language Movement to Independence will be found here; people across the globe will get ideas about the sacrifice and struggle of Bangabandhu,” she said.
Hasina said this at the international launching ceremony of the two publications titled “Secret Documents” and “Mujib & Introduction”. The Secret Documents is a collection of the Intelligence Branch Reports on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangladesh during the Pakistani period.
The Prime Minister unveiled the cover of the two publications at Claridge’s Hotel in London.
Talking about the newly-published volumes of secret documents, she said these volumes will provide useful insight for political leaders across nations and generations.
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Mentioning that seven volumes of the publication being released, Hasina said these are documents and records kept by the Pakistan Intelligence Branch on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman since Pakistan had been created.
Stating that the Pakistan Intelligence Branch official followed his every movement and activity, the Prime Minister said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib served in prison for 3,053 days during the 24 years of Pakistan.
She also said it was not only Bangabandhu who was under watch, but also her mother Bangamata, Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, was under surveillance. “She had been under watch especially after the announcement of Six-Point Demand in 1966,” Hasina added.
She said these Secret Documents are not just a record of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib’s political struggle, rather these are historical accounts of how an independent nation was born. These documents are of critical importance for Bangladesh’s national history, she added.
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Hasina said all these documents show how Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib’s political career took shape over the years and also showcase the immense sufferings and sacrifices of the Father of the Nation. These are narratives of the making of a national leader, a Statesman and an international political figure, she said.
The Prime Minister said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was targeted from the early days of his political life by those who opposed the values and principles he stood for. The same forces were responsible for the brutal end to his life, along with most of his family members, in August 1975, she added.
Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu, conveyed thanks to Taylor & Francis Group for coming forward to partner with Hakkani Publishers of Bangladesh on these publications.
The Prime Minister said, “We renew our pledge to do justice to his struggles by realising his dream of building a ‘Sonar Bangla’.
Hasina also inaugurated an art exhibition titled ‘Bangabandhu and Britain: A Centenary Collection’.
PM’s younger sister Sheikh Rehana and her daughter Saima Wazed were present.
Doraiswami lauds Hasina’s leadership in realizing Bangabandhu’s dream of Sonar Bangla
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram K. Doraiswami on Friday said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s dream of a Sonar Bangla would be realized where every citizen lives a free, happy, healthy and prosperous life.
“I hope with your support and with the capacity of both sides to cooperate together, the vision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a Sonar Bangla for realising the dreams of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of a Bangladesh (will be materialised) where every citizen lives a free, happy, healthy and prosperous life,” he said.
The high commissioner was addressing a function at Akhaura where Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq joined as the chief guest. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present as a special guest.
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Earlier in the day Doraiswami handed over two life support ambulances to the 250-bed General Hospital, Brahmanbaria and Upazila Health Complex, Akhaura respectively.
Sheikh Russel Day reminds an innocent victim of brutal atrocity
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family were assassinated on 15 August 1975, four years after the independence of Bangladesh. 10 years old Sheikh Russel, the youngest son of Bangabandhu, was amongst the victims who died in that terrible attack.
58 years ago, on this day (October 18, 1964), Russel was born. Even on the eve of the 50th anniversary of independence, the death of Russel reminds the nation to strengthen the determination of protecting the country’s sovereignty ever after. Today's remembrance feature is aimed at Sheikh Russel.
Childhood days of Sheikh Russel
When Bangamata Fazilatunnesa gave birth to her youngest child Sheikh Russel, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was in Chittagong on a mission to protest against the dictator Ayub Khan. Russel was born at House No. 677, Road No. 32, Dhanmondi in Dhaka.
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When Bangabandhu was arrested on May 8, 1966, Russel was barely one and a half years old. With his mother, the baby Russel used to visit Bangabandhu at the central prison and cried for bringing his father along with him. At one point he was told that that prison was his father's house. After a year, Russel began to call his mother "Father" and did not cry anymore for his father when he returned from prison. This is what Bangabandhu wrote about his youngest son Russel in his prison diary.
When Sheikh Mujibur Rahman received the title of Bangabandhu on 23 February 1969 at Sohrawardy Udyan, Russel was four and a half years old.
Russel began his captive life with his mother and two older sisters at a house on Road No. 16 in Dhanmondi on the eve of Bangabandhu's arrest and imprisonment in West Pakistan in 1971. He was released from captivity on December 17, 1971.
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AL to observe Sheikh Russel Day on Oct. 18
The ruling party Awami League will observe the 'Sheikh Russel Day' on Monday who was brutally killed on August 15, 1975 along with most of the family members, including his father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The party has set a two day-long celebration to mark the birthday of Sheikh Russel, the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
A press release sent from Awami League said the party will place wreaths at Russel's grave at Banani Graveyard at 8am.
Alongside, homage will also be paid to other August 15 martyrs by laying wreaths at their graves at Banani Graveyard on that day.
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Special doa, recitation of Surah Fatiha and prayers will be arranged there too.
On October 19, a discussion will be arranged on the occasion of the Day at 3.30pm at its party office 23, Bangabhandhu Avenue where Prime Minister and Party President Sheikh Hasina presided over the discussion programme in a virtual manner.
Sheikh Russel Day will be observed on October 18 each year starting from this year.
The cabinet on August 23 last approved a proposal of listing the day as an A-category day for celebration across the country.
World must reject nuclear weapon use: Dhaka
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the world must unequivocally reject the use of nuclear weapons while supporting the peaceful use of nuclear technology for the benefit of humankind.
In his address to the commemorative High-level event organized on the sidelines of the 76th UNGA, the Foreign Minister expressed Bangladesh’s firm stance and unwavering constitutional commitment to general and complete disarmament.
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The clarion call of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974 to free the world from the scourge of nuclear war, forms the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s commitment and adherence to nuclear disarmament, said Dr Momen.
'Bangabandhu Bangladesh Book Corner' launched in Brunei
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Monday said the "Bangabandhu-Bangladesh Book Corner" in Brunei will serve as an effective conduit to bring the academics and students of Brunei and Bangladesh to collaborate and learn from each other.
"Education is a priority of our government; we want to collaborate with the universities of Brunei more," he said, noting that the education sector worldwide suffered a huge blow from the pandemic.
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The State Minister thanked the University Technology Brunei (UTB) for opening the Bangabandhu-Bangladesh Corner at its premises.
Bangabandhu's 'Sonar Bangla' now becoming a reality: BGMEA chief
The "Sonar Bangla" dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is now becoming a reality, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan said Sunday.
He said the killers were able to murder Bangabandhu but they could not kill his dreams and ideals.
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Hassan said Bangladesh has emerged as a role model of development in the world under the prudent and visionary leadership of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina.
"The RMG sector has played a major role in the achievements of Bangladesh. The apparel sector would continue its contribution to accelerating the economic growth of Bangladesh," said the BGMEA chief.
To strike a balance between lives and livelihoods, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took the prudent and bold decision of keeping the RMG industry open amid the Covid-19.
The decision has helped the sector address the challenges unfolded by the pandemic and move ahead amid the crisis, he added while addressing a discussion and a special prayer in observance of the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Faruque Hassan chaired the programme held at the BGMEA office in Uttara, which was attended by the trade association's vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim and Miran Ali; directors Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Haroon Ar Rashid, Navidul Huq, Rajiv Chowdhury, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Md Imranur Rahman, Mijanur Rahman and former vice-president Mohammed Nasir.
A video on the life and works of was shown at the beginning of the program.
BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim said that Fidel Castro remarked: "I have not seen the Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib. In personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas."
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"The people who didn’t want the country’s liberation and victory of the Bengalis had killed Sheikh Mujib along with most of his family members. Bangladesh has become a role model in the world under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister. Bangladesh has attained the status of a middle-income country," he added.
BGMEA Director Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the dreamer of the Bengali nation. "Inspired by his dream, Bangladesh is moving ahead along the path of economic emancipation under the great leadership of his daughter, the prime minister."
BGMEA Director Abdullah Hil Rakib said Bangabandhu brought freedom for them and also international recognition of Bangladesh by branding the country at the UN General Assembly in 1974.Director Haroon Ar Rashid said Bangladesh would not have been born if Bangabandhu were not born. "We want the trial of fugitive killers of Bangabandhu."
Director Navidul Huq said the next generations need to know the dreams of Bangabandhu and go by his ideals.
BGMEA Director Md. Imranur Rahman said Bangabandhu sacrificed his life for independence of Bangladesh. "Inspired by his ideals entrepreneurs in the garment industry have been striving to take the country forward."
BGMEA Director Mijanur Rahman said the country is moving forward with the ideals of Bangabandhu. "The garment export sector is following his directives and moving the country forward."
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Former Vice President Mohammed Nasir said Bangabandhu, in his 55 years of life, spent 4692 days in prison for the cause of liberation of the country.
"His daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is doing what he left behind. Insha Allah, under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, we will build Bangladesh as a developed country, “Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by Bangabandhu," he said.
Remembering Bangabandhu from Brussels
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was remembered for his courage and leadership by international scholars at a virtual event.
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Belgium capital Brussels and the Mission to the European Union organised the virtual event marking National Mourning Day and the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu on Sunday.
A documentary, 'Bangabandhu Forever in Our Hearts', was also screened, detailing the life and achievements of Bangabandhu.
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Dr Richard Cash, global health researcher and senior lecturer in international health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recalled his experiences of living and working in Bangladesh in the 1960s.
Cultural organizations observe National Mourning Day
Different cultural organizations in the country observed the National Mourning Day, marking the 46th death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by holding a variety of virtual and hybrid-format events on Sunday.
Organizations including Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh National Museum, Bangladesh Abritti Somonnoy Parishad, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Somonnoy Parishad and others streamed cultural programmes and discussions on their official Facebook pages.
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Bangla Academy arranged a webinar featuring State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, National Professor and the academy’s current Chairman Rafiqul Islam, Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Hoque, recitation artist and Sammilita Snagskritik Jote’s General Secretary Hasan Arif, singer Timir Nandi, recitation artist Rupa Chakrabarty, and Ministry of Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Abul Monsur.
Poet Nurul Huda, Director General of Bangla , delivered his welcome speech at the webinar, which was hosted by Bangla Academy Secretary AHM Lokman.
A handful of online events were organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), marking the National Mourning Day on its Facebook page. As part of its events, BSA organized a virtual programme on Sunday night which was joined by State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid as the chief guest.
National professor and Bangla Academy Chairman Rafiqul Islam, Cultural Affairs Ministry secretary Md Abul Mansur, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy secretary Asaduzzaman, Bangla Academy Director General poet Nurul Huda, and Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee assistant general secretary Dr Nuzhat Choudhury were present as discussants at the event, which was presided over by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy director general Liaquat Ali Lucky.
Thespian and former Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor poet Dr Muhammad Samad, poet Nirmalendu Goon, Indian-Bengali singer Mitali Mukherjee, poet Kazi Rozi, singer-composer Naquib Khan, poet Asim Saha, singer Timir Nandi, poet Tarik Sujat, and others performed in the online cultural programme followed by the discussion, moderated by media personality Dr Abdun Noor Tushar.
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BSA has also launched a six-day virtual drama show on Bangabandhu on its Facebook page and YouTube channel. Performed and recorded by District Shilpakala Academy in Chittagong, Kushtia, Thakurgaon, Manikganj, Moulvibazar and Barguna, the opening day drama titled ‘Rajnityr Kobi’ was presented by Chittagong District Shilpakala Academy at 8 pm on Sunday.
Liberation War Museum uploaded a tribute video titled “August-er Bishonno Bikel” on its Facebook page, as a homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Directed by trustee of the Liberation War Museum Mofidul Hoque, the video features a recitation by former Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor reading from the late Syed Najmuddin Hashim’s writing, and Bhaskar Bandyopadhyay reciting Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Pother Sheshe” which was synchronised with dancer Sudeshna Swayamprabha’s dance recital, choreographed by Sharmila Bandhopadhyay.
Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Somonnoy Parishad organised a webinar, streamed live on its Facebook group featuring writer-columnist Abdul Gaffar Choudhury, thespian and International Theatre Institute (ITI) President Ramendu Majumdar, and Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Samannay Parishad President Tapan Mahmud. The speakers spoke on the life and works of Mujib at the programme, which was anchored by the General Secretary of the organisation Biswajit Roy.
Bangladesh National Museum organized a hybrid discussion ceremony at its Sufia Kamal Auditorium. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, President of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Ministry of Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Abul Monsur virtually joined and spoke at the event, among others.
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The discussion was chaired by Khandaker Mostafizur Rahman, Director General of Bangladesh National Museum.
Several other cultural organizations, educational institutions, television channels and radio stations also arranged multiple discussions and cultural programmes, commemorating the life and works of the Father of the Nation and his family members.
Inspired to protect the values Bangabandhu stood for: India
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami has paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as Bangladesh observes the National Mourning Day.
"We're inspired to protect the values Bangabandhu stood for," the Indian High Commission in Dhaka tweeted.
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