There is ample opportunity to further expand the economic, trade and commercial relations between Bangladesh and Japan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed has said. Bangladesh welcomed Japan’s technical and financial investments in Bangladesh under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative which complemented Bangladesh Government’s effort in augmenting infrastructure, communications, power and energy sectors. Further investment from Japan is expected in the coming days as the Japan specific Economic Zone in Narayanganj was inaugurated on December 6 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the Ambassador. A few mega projects being built under Japanese assistance are at the final stages of completion to strengthen infrastructure for business and improve the country’s ease of doing business rating, the envoy said. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan celebrated the Glorious 51st Victory Day on Friday with due fervor and solemnity. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Shahabuddin said Japan continued to be a true friend and trusted partner in Bangladesh's development pursuit since independence. He underscored that the foundation of our strong bilateral relations was laid down by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during his visit to Japan in 1973 and has strengthened our friendship. Over the years, especially in the last 13 years her able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through her visits in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019 has created a robust and multifaceted relations with Japan, he said. Especially, he mentioned the bilateral relations was elevated to a “Comprehensive partnership” in 2014. Both the countries are working together to take the relations to a new heigh in the coming days. Ambassador Shahabuddin thanked all to join the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh in 2021 and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan this year. The event was graced by the presence of Japanese dignitaries including Ambassador Matsushiro Horiguchi, Ambassador Masato Watanabe, Ambassador Kiyokazu Ota and Professor Otsubo, who gifted the half bust of Bangabandhu to the Embassy. They congratulated Bangladesh on the victory day and talked about their involvement with Bangladesh over all these years. A significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates, Japanese dignitaries, academicians and Embassy officials attended the program held at the Bangabandhu auditorium in the Embassy by following existing Covid-19 health protocol. Read more: Dhaka to work closely with Tokyo to take relations to a new height: FM The program started in the morning with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed along with rendition of the national anthem in the presence of community members, Embassy officers and staff.

– BNP on Saturday voiced hope that as a friendly, neighbouring country India will support the people of Bangladesh to succeed in their struggle for democracy, just as they helped them gain independence during the Liberation War in 1971. Speaking at a rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could not make any visible gain from her recent four-day India tour as India is no longer happy with Awami League (AL).  “We certainly hope that India will also support the struggle of the people of Bangladesh for democracy and a democratic system since it helped us in the Liberation War in 1971. We also expect the same thing from all the democratic countries,” he said. Criticising the government for what he termed its repressive acts and failure to deliver, the BNP leader said the government cannot be given any more time to stay in power. “They (AL) don’t want time from the people of Bangladesh. Going to our neighbouring country India, they sought more time and steps so that they can stay in power for one more term. I would like to say it clearly that no one can do anything here without the support and love of the people of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said. The BNP Dhaka south city unit’s Motijheel, Paltan and Shahjahanpur zone organised the rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, protesting the increase in prices of essentials, fuel and transport fares and the killing of three leaders of its associate bodies. Fakhrul said their party wants to maintain friendship with all countries, including India: “We think that India is a friendly country to us.” Read: BNP to intensify movement in Dhaka city with 16 rallies in September He said they hoped that the Prime Minister would take steps to resolve the outstanding issues with India, including the sharing of waters of the Teesta and other common rivers and stopping border killings and reducing the trade gap during her visit. “They (PM and AL) also expected that India would give them everything, but it didn’t happen as India is also not happy with them.” He alleged that the current government has ruined the country’s economy by indulging in 'widespread' plundering and corruption. Referring to a report by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), he said, Tk75,000 crores were siphoned off abroad from Bangladesh last year. “They’re indulging in mega corruption in the name of mega projects. They’re looting from every project, but not doing anything for the common people. Most of the banks’ funds have now been depleted. So, our backs are pushed against the walls. We must wake up to remove this regime,” the BNP leader said. Stating that Awami League has long been in power by force, he said a strong unity of people is now mandatory to restore democracy and establish a government ‘of the people’ by ousting the current regime.

On 2nd September 1945, at Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam). The Declaration, which demonstrates the strong will and aspirations of Vietnamese people, still remains deeply topical both at home and abroad after 76 years.  The Declaration fully and deeply reflects President Ho Chi Minh’s philosophical, political and even human points of view, as well as contains the values of human civilisation. In this document, the late President affirmed that national rights and human rights have a dialectical relation. The Declaration was not only a declaration of independence of the Vietnamese people but also a declaration of human rights and the rights of colonial nations. President Ho Chi Minh's elevation of human rights to national rights was his contribution to the treasure of human rights ideology. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the Vietnamese people rose up to repel the colonialists, feudalists and imperialists, regaining independence, freedom and human rights. Human rights in Viet Nam are not the value given by anyone but the result of the long struggle of the Vietnamese people. Read:Humanizing refugees The Declaration of Independence is a solid legal basis that strongly affirms the national sovereignty of the Vietnamese people to the whole world; laying the foundation for the establishment of a rule-of-law state with the goal of independence, freedom and happiness; and illuminating Viet Nam's revolutionary path in the cause of building a socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people and for the people, for the sake of wealthy people, strong country, democracy, justice and civilisation. 76 years have passed, President Ho Chi Minh's views and thoughts on human rights, national rights, aspirations and resilience to maintain independence and freedom shown in the Declaration still remain topical and significant to the nation building and safeguarding cause at present. Since then, the Vietnamese people have constantly strived for human rights and achieved many positive and important results. Human rights, civil rights in political, civil, economic, cultural and social fields are recognised, respected, protected and guaranteed in accordance with the Constitution and laws. With its achievements in ensuring human rights, Viet Nam was elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 term. After nearly 35 years of Doi moi (Renewal), from a poor, least developed country, Viet Nam has become a middle-income developing country. Its human development index (HDI) has gradually improved, currently in the upper middle group, ranking 118th out of 189 countries. Years will pass, but the spirit of the Declaration of Independence that gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam will always live on in the hearts of generations of Vietnamese people.

Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo on Saturday observed the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due fervor and festivities. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa and Madame Shiranthi Rajapaksa joined the National Day reception hosted by the High Commission in a manifestation of the goodwill between the two countries, said a press release.  This year’s observance in Sri Lanka had special significance as on 4th March 2022, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka marked 50 years of their diplomatic relations. The reception was attended by a large number of high dignitaries including Speaker of the Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, top political leaders, Heads of Diplomatic Missions as well as professionals, business leaders and Bangladesh community members.  Minister for Industry S.B. Dissanayake, and State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya were among the ministers present. While addressing the guests, High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam conveyed greetings and shared happiness on 50 years of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations.  READ: Resolution marking 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence introduced in US House The guest of honour, Industries Minister expressed goodwill for Bangladesh and its people and wished for further deepening of bilateral relations between the two countries.  The Prime Minister joined the High Commissioner and Minister for Industries in cutting a cake - wishing long-lasting friendship between the two countries.        Earlier, the day-long celebration commenced in the morning with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at the Chancery by High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam.  Then one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the martyrs of the War of Liberation.  It was followed by placing of floral wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; reading out of messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs; and offering of special prayers seeking eternal peace for the martyrs, Father of the Nation and his martyred family members as well as continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.  A documentary on the day was also screened. Taking part in the open discussion on the significance of the Day, the speakers paid rich tribute to Bangabandhu and reflected on the history of the War of Liberation. High Commissioner Tareq paid deep homage to the Father of the Nation, the martyrs, valiant freedom fighters, heroic women as well as the foreign friends and friendly foreign nations who supported Bangladesh’s War of Liberation.  He also highlighted Bangladesh’s development journey under the pragmatic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Special supplements were published in the Daily Mirror and the Financial Times, the top two English dailies of Sri Lanka and also on some online news portals. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday slammed those who still refuse to chant the national slogan ‘Joy Bangla’, the inspiration of the liberation war. “Those who still don’t chant the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan actually don’t believe in the independence of the country, the spirit of Liberation War and the ideology of independence of Bangladesh,” she told a discussion meeting virtually from her official residence Ganobbaban. Read:Good planning & democracy spur Bangladesh’s development, says Hasina Bangladesh Awami League (AL) arranged the discussion at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara in Gopalganj on the occasion of the 102nd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day-2022. Chairing the discussion, Hasina, also the AL president, said the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan was once banned in the country and many AL leaders and activists lost lives for shouting this slogan and playing the historic 7th March speech of Bangabandhu at that time. She said the freedom fighters had earned independence and embraced martyrdom  chanting this slogan. But the clique of anti-liberation elements and killers banned the slogan, she added.  AL presidium members Shajahan Khan MP, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman, joint secretaries Mahbubul Alam MP and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, religious Affairs secretary Sirajul Mostafa, agriculture and cooperatives affairs secretary Faridunnahar Laily, organising secretary Mirza Azam MP and AL Gopalganj district unit secretary Mahbub Ali Khan also spoke at the discussion conducted by publicity and publication secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap MP. Hasina urged all to stay vigilant so that a vested quarter can no longer spoil the achievements of the nation. “So, we’ll have to keep up the present trend of development by taking the people with us,” she said. The PM asked the AL leaders and activists to continue working for development engaging the people in every stage. Read: Continuous democratic process is behind country’s unprecedented development, says Hasina in UAE She also told her party members to stand beside the poor and homeless people. She also asked them to work for saving nature and the environment. She laid emphasis on teaching the real history of the nation and the country to the children to ignite patriotism among them.   “None can wipe out the truths. It has been proved today,” said Hasina. 

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. 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that the goal of the country’s independence has not been materealised yet. “The spirit of independence was to establish a democratic state and a democratic society. The goal that led to the Liberation War has not been materialised even though 50 years have elapsed,” he said. The BNP leader alleged that the current “authoritarian and “autocratic” Awami League government is eliminating the opposition to establish a one-party rule in the country. He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar together with their party’s leaders and activists, marking the 51st Victory Day. Also read: Khaleda’s condition worsens again in hospital: Fakhrul Fakhrul alleged that their party chairperson was convicted and jailed in ‘false’ cases. “She has now been fighting for life at a hospital with critical diseases.” He said they have taken a vow on this victory day to ‘restore’ democracy in the country by uniting the people of the country. Later, the BNP secretary general along with the party senior leaders went to the grave of their party founder Ziaur Rahman at Shre-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital. They also paid homage to Zia by placing a wreath at his grave on the occasion of the 51st Victory Day. Later, talking to reporters, Fakhrul said the nation has lost everything it achieved after the Liberation War. “We’ve lost the democracy that we restored through the mass uprising in the 90s under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. We also developed a system of holding the election under a neutral government. It’s unfortunate that it was revoked,” he said. He said people now cannot exercise their right to franchise as the election system has been destroyed. “The people of the country can’t vote now. Poverty has increased while people have become from poor to poorer. A group of people backed by the ruling party has become rich,” the BNP leader said. Also read: Sending Khaleda abroad essential for peace, stability: Fakhrul He described the US sanctions on seven current and former officials of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and on the allegation of violating human rights as a major embarrassment in the 50 years history of the country. "We think this is the biggest shame for Bangladesh as sanctions have been imposed on the officials of a state institution and it has been exposed to the world that we’re a state devoid of democracy. It’s unfortunate this situation has been created in Bangladesh today because of those who’re now in power,” the BNP leader. BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, chairperson's advisory council members Aman Ullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Abul Khair Bhuiyan, senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, joint secretaries general Mahbubuddin Khokon and Khairul Kabir Khokon were, among others, present. The party and its different units and associate bodies across the country also celebrated Victory Day through various programmes. BNP also hoisted the party and national flag atop of its central office in Nayapaltan and in the district and divisional unit offices.

As the nation celebrates the 50 years of independence Chuadanga goes without a memorial of the glorious liberation war. Chuadanga was an important place during the liberation war. It bears the some bitter memories of the war. Pakistani soldiers entered Chuadanga from Meherpur on foot on Dec 6, 1971 days before the final victory in the war on December 16. On the same day, they blew up the bridge over Mathavanga River so that the freedom fighters could not reach them. When Pakistani soldiers left Chuadanga and Alamdanga for Kushtia on the following day, Chuadanga became completely free from the enemy. Fifty years have gone by but no mausoleum has yet been built in Chuadanga.  The lone Memorial plaque located in Saheed Hasan’s Square in the district town remained neglected around the year except for national days, UNB local correspondent reports. Read: Pro-liberation campaigners to celebrate India's recognition of Bangladesh Monday Though a monument was built at Hasan Square in 1994, it was demolished citing as illegal. As there is no monument, the people of Chuadanga pay their respect to martyrs at that Memorial Plaque. On December 7, Chuadanga district was freed from the clutches of the Pakistani Army. Since then, this day is observed by people from different socio-organizations and political parties in a befitting manner. This year, there was no difference. The District Administration paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the Memorial Plaque. Meanwhile, people from all walks of life including journalists, freedom fighters gathered before the Memorial Plaque to pay homage.

Apasen, a British-Bangladeshi charity organisation, organized a colourful event in London to celebrate the golden jubilee of Bangladesh independence on the occasion of the organisation’s 37th anniversary.A function in this regard was arranged in the People's Palace Great Hall of the Queen Mary University in East London on Sunday.Legendary BBC journalist Sir Mark Tully, who provided the news coverage of the war of liberation, joined the event virtually. Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson also sent their greetings on the occasion. READ:  Bangladesh’s Golden Jubilee of Independence: PM seeks general discussion in Parliament Speaking at the function Sayeda Muna Tasnim, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, said it was the largest and most spectacular Bangladeshi event she had seen during her tenure here.On this occasion mementos were handed over to the freedom fighters staying in the UK.The three-and-a-half-hour event featured screening of documentaries on the war of liberation, culture and nature of Bangladesh, Apasen activities, Bangladesh Betar music, modern music, folk and modern dances, poetry, etc. READ:  USAID launches photography book 'Golden Jubilee of Golden Bengal' A commemorative publication was also issued by Apasen on the 50 years of independence celebration.

The historic  7th March, a memorable day in the history of Bangalis’ long arduous freedom struggle, will be observed  across the country on Sunday in a befitting manner.