Dhaka University Alumni Association UK (DUAAUK) is going to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the university under the theme “100 Years of Pride” at The Willow’s Event venue on Forest Road in Redbridge Heinault area on Sunday.  “The program will commence on October 16 at 12:00pm. Ex-students of Dhaka University and their families who are scattered across Europe will join the event to celebrate the founding day of their beloved institution,” said Bulbul Hasan, Convener of the event organizing committee.  According to event organizers, current and past presidents and general secretaries of the central committee of Dhaka University Alumni Association will be invited as guests. The cultural segment of the event will include performances by noted musician Shafin Ahmed and the alumni themselves.  Read: DUAA to celebrate centenary on March 12 DUAAUK will also unveil a special publication marking the day at the event. Online registration for the event has already started. For registration and more information, visit www.duaauk.com.

The Faculty of Fine Art (FFA), Dhaka University observed the birth centenary of Shilapaguru Safiuddin Ahmed, the pioneer of Printmaking in Bangladesh, through various events on Friday and Thursday at the FFA campus in the capital. The two-day commemorative fest featured the ceremony of 'Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed Sammanna-2022,' commemorative seminars, the inauguration of a special exhibition, cultural events and a rendezvous of artists from different artistic backgrounds. As part of the birth centenary celebration of Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed, the 'Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed Sammanna-2022' was awarded on Friday to seven eminent Bangladeshi artists by the Faculty of Fine Arts and Printmaking Department of Dhaka University. Eminent Printmaker Kalidas Karmakar (posthumous), artist Professor Mohammad Kibria (posthumous), legendary cartoonist Professor Rafiqun Nabi, Bangladeshi-Spanish artist Monirul Islam, artist Professor Mahmudul Haque (posthumous), artist Shahid Kabir and artist Professor Abul Barq Alvi received this prestigious award, presented by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor in charge and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Muhammad Samad on Friday at the Bakultala of the Faculty of Fine Arts. The crests were received on behalf of the late artists by Mohammad Kibria's son Nashrid Kibria, Mahmudul Haque's wife Shikha Mahmud, Kalidas Karmakar's sister Sanchita Karmakar, and Shahid Kabir's niece Maliha Masud. Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts Prof Nisar Hossain, artist and son of the Shilpaguru Ahmed Nazir, Chairman of Durjoy Foundation Durjoy Rahman Joy, Convener of Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed Birth Centenary Celebration Council Professor Rokeya Sultana and Member-Secretary Professor Anisuzzaman spoke at the ceremony, which was presided over by the Printmaking Department Chairman Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman. Earlier on Thursday, different departments of the FFA including Printmaking, Drawing and Painting, Graphic Design, Oriental Art, Craft, History of Art, Sculpture, and Ceramics, alongside several art organizations including the Bengal Foundation, Gallery Chitrak, Gallery Cosmos, Safiuddin Shilpalay and Fine Arts department of Jagannath University, among others, paid tribute to the artist by placing floral wreaths at his grave. A commemorative seminar was held after that at the Osman Jamal Auditorium of the FFA, joined by eminent artist and cartoonist Professor Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest. Shilpaguru’s son artist Ahmed Nazir, Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin’s son engineer Moinul Abedin, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Fine Arts Department Director Syeda Mahbuba Karim, DU FFA Dean Professor Nisar Hossain were present as special guests at the seminar, while Dhaka University Bangla department chairman Syed Azizul Huq was present as discussant, who shed light on the Shilpaguru as a journeyman, fostering Bangladeshi art. Following the seminar, an exhibition titled "Paramparay Chhapchitra" was inaugurated at the Zainul Gallery I and II and at the artwork collection room, featuring artworks created by 170 eminent and aspiring artists such as Somnath Hore, Quamrul Hassan, Mohammad Kibria, Aminul Islam, Murtaja Baseer, Bijan Choudhury, Devdas Chakraborty, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Rokeya Sultana, and Nisar Hossain. Several artworks of the Shilpaguru have been featured in the artwork collection area, including an oil on canvas piece titled Portrait of Hamidur Rahman and wood engraving works titled ‘Santal Women,’ ‘On Way to the Fair,’ among others.The exhibition will welcome art admirers till June 30.

The Philippines Postal Corporation (Philpost) and Bangladesh Embassy in the Southeast Asian country have launched commemorative cover and stamp published by the Philpost to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In a ceremony at the Bangladesh Embassy, Philpost Postmaster General and CEO Norman Fulgencio and Bangladesh Ambassador Asad Alam Siam unveiled the commemorative cover and stamp Friday. READ: BCB commemorates Bangabandhu's birth centenary Both the cover and the stamp contain the logo of the "Mujib Borsho" and was designed by the creative team of the Philpost. Norman Fulgencio and Asad Alam previously signed an agreement for their publication. The Philpost postmaster general thanked the embassy for partnering with them in the celebration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh and said this would promote Bangabandhu's ideals and principles among the Filipinos. Paying deep tribute to the Father of the Nation, the Bangladesh ambassador said, "The cover and stamp will mark an important year for Bangladesh in the Philippines and the Filipinos will be interested to learn how Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led Bangladesh to independence and sacrificed his whole life for the betterment of his people." READ: Nigeria releases commemorative stamp marking Bangabandhu's birth centenary "Bangabandhu's struggle for freedom and progress of his people has a resonance for all peace-loving people around the world including the Filipinos," he added. 

President Abdul Hamid on Monday said Bangladesh gives importance to developing relationships with neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan.  He made the remarks when outgoing Afghan Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdul Qayoom Malikzad paid a courtesy call on him. President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting. Hamid said Afghanistan can use Bangladesh's experience in women empowerment, basic education, healthcare, sanitation and human resource development. Also read: Bangladesh offers support to Afghanistan for development The President also praised Afghanistan's recent efforts to establish democracy.  He said 2021 is a year of great joy and pride for Bangladesh. This year, Bangladesh is celebrating the golden jubilee of independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman together. Besides, this year, Bangladesh has received the final recommendation of the United Nations to become a developing country. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Bangladesh has proven all of them wrong who had objected to its creation, looked down upon the people and had apprehensions about the existence of the country. “I am pleased that under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s able leadership, Bangladesh is showing its dynamism to the world,” he said. Modi said the world did not talk as much about the cruelty, oppression and atrocities of ‘Operation Searchlight’ as it should have. He was addressing the special programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, among others, were present. The Indian Prime Minister was pleased that many Indian soldiers who were part of the Liberation War were also there with them at the special event.  “The struggle for the Liberation of Bangladesh was also one of the first movements that I took part in," Modi said, adding: “I must have been 22 or 23 years old, when along with many of my friends, I did satyagraha, (a form of passive resistance), for the liberation of the people of Bangladesh.” As part of his efforts to support the liberation of Bangladesh, he also courted arrest and had a taste of life in prison.  “That is to say, there was as much of a longing for Bangladesh’s freedom in India, as there was in Bangladesh," Modi said.  Also read: Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi The images of the heinous crimes and atrocities committed by the Pakistani army here, made their blood boil too, and gave them countless sleepless nights! Inspired by the common legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian Prime Minister said they have no time to lose, they must move forward for change, and they cannot delay any further. He said the two countries' goals are common; therefore, their efforts should also be united. “We therefore need to further boost our efforts, add new dimensions to them, and take them to new heights,” he said. Modi said he is confident that India and Bangladesh together will progress at a fast pace. “The love that you have showered on me, the brotherhood for India, this feeling of oneness – I will most certainly convey this to every Indian.” The Indian Prime Minister, upon arrival here, visited National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar and paid tributes to martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. He signed Visitors' Book there after planting a sapling.  Also read: Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition inaugurated in Bangladesh "On behalf of the people of India, I pray that the eternal flame at Savar remains a lasting reminder of the noble victory of truth and courage over deceit and oppression," he wrote.  He said their valour will continue to inspire future generations to fight injustice and defend the cause of righteousness. "May every visitor to this revered ground honour the sacred memory of the millions who were slain but not silenced," Modi wrote.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for unity to fight against the ideologies and forces behind ‘inhuman acts’ such as terrorism, saying they are active even today. “The ideologies and forces behind these inhuman acts are active even today. We not only need to be alert, but also need to stay united to fight them,” he said. Modi said Bangladesh and India have a common heritage, common development, common goals and common challenges too. “We must remember that though we have similar possibilities in the area of trade and development, we also face similar threats, such as terrorism,” he said. Modi said both countries have the power of democracy and a clear vision for moving forward. “India and Bangladesh moving forward together is equally important for the development of the entire region,” he said at the special programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, among others, were present. The Indian Prime Minister said Bangladesh has proven all of those people wrong who had objected to its creation, looked down upon its people and had apprehensions about its existence. “I’m pleased that under Sheikh Hasina’s able leadership, Bangladesh is showing its dynamism to the world,” he said. He said the world did not talk as much about the cruelty, oppression and atrocities of ‘Operation Searchlight’ as it should have. Inspired by the common legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian Prime Minister said they have no time to lose, they must move forward for change, and they cannot delay any further. He said the two countries' goals are common and therefore, their efforts should also be united. “We need to further boost our efforts, add new dimensions to them, and take them to new heights,” Modi said. Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka The Indian Prime Minister said he is confident that India and Bangladesh together will progress at a fast pace. “The love that you have showered on me, the brotherhood for India, this feeling of oneness – I’ll most certainly convey this to every Indian.” “I’m pleased that you’ve included me in the celebrations of this important milestone in the development journey of Bangladesh,” Modi said. He paid tribute to Bangabandhu, who dedicated his whole life for Bangladesh and its people. “For us Indians, it is a matter of pride that we had the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur with the Gandhi Peace Prize.” Connecting Youth  Modi said that in order to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations, it is equally important to have a better connection between the youth of both countries. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India-Bangladesh relations, he invited 50 young entrepreneurs from Bangladesh to India.  “They should come to India, connect with our start up and innovation ecosystems, meet our venture capitalists. We too will learn from them, and they too will get an opportunity to learn,” he said. Modi remembered the hundreds of thousands of sons and daughters of Bangladesh who suffered countless atrocities, who shed their blood, and put their lives at stake for their nation, their language, their culture. He said those who shed their blood in the War of Liberation and sacrificed their lives, played a very big role in making the dream of an independent Bangladesh come true. “The government of Bangladesh has dedicated a war memorial to honour the memory of these brave martyrs in Ashuganj. I express my gratitude to you for that,” he said. Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka Modi was pleased that many Indian soldiers who were part of the Liberation War were also there with them today at the special event. “The struggle for the Liberation of Bangladesh was also one of the first movements that I took part in,” he recalled. “I must have been 22 or 23 years old, when along with many of my friends, I did satyagraha (a form of passive resistance) for the liberation of the people of Bangladesh.” As part of his efforts to support the liberation of Bangladesh, he was also arrested and sent to prison. “That is to say, there was as much of a longing for Bangladesh’s freedom in India, as there was in Bangladesh.” “The images of the heinous crimes and atrocities committed by the Pakistani army here made our blood boil too, and gave us countless sleepless nights,” Modi said. In India, Modi said they still remember how Bangabandhu after being released from jail in Pakistan came to India on his way back to Bangladesh. “The speech he made in Delhi is still talked about by many.” Modi said Bangabandhu had become emotional when speaking about Bangladesh’s independence, and the sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh and India. He had tears in his eyes. “Those tears were a symbol of the emotional bond between India and Bangladesh, they were a testimony to our relations.” He said it is their responsibility to cherish the emotions behind those tears of Bangabandhu, and to keep them alive. “The future of India and Bangladesh, is just waiting for countless such moments full of goodwill, and of mutual trust.” Modi said it is a happy coincidence that the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s liberation and the milestone of 75th year of India’s independence have arrived together. “For both of our countries, in the 21st Century, our journey over the next 25 years, will be very important.” The two countries have worked together to create the SAARC Covid Fund, and coordinated training for human resources. “India is very pleased that Made in India vaccines have been helpful for our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh,” Modi said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said India, the largest country in the region, needs to play a pioneering role in building a stable and politically-economically vibrant South Asia. “If we move forward hand in hand, the development of our people is inevitable,” she said while chairing the closing ceremony of the 10-day festival in presence of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as the guest of honour. President Abdul Hamid attended the concluding ceremony in the city’s National Parade Square as the Chief Guest. The 10-day nationwide programme started on March 17 with the theme ‘Mujib Eternal’, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence in the Mujib Year.  Sheikh Hasina said South Asia is the most densely-populated area but there are huge resources in this region. “If we all utilise the resources, we’ll be able to build it as a hunger-poverty-free region,” she noted. She urged all to make a vow to work together forgetting all differences for the welfare of the peoples in South Asia. “At this auspicious moment of celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of independence of Bangladesh, let us pledge to forget all differences and work together for the welfare of our peoples,” she said. “Our foreign policy formulated by the Father of the Nation is that ‘Friendship to All and Malice towards None’. We’re determined to establish South Asia a developed and prosperous region,” the Prime Minister said. Relations with India reaches new heights Sheikh Hasina said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India have escalated to new heights. “Our relations with India have now escalated to new heights,” she added. Lauding Narendra Modi’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy, she said, “He sent coronavirus vaccines as gift to the neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, which was a reflection of that policy of Modiji.” She said Bangladesh has increased cooperation with India in various sectors including trade and commerce, communication, power, energy, and agriculture during the last few years. “India has now become one of our development partners,” she added. The Maitree Bridge over Feni River has recently been inaugurated to increase connectivity between the North-Eastern Indian states and Bangladesh. These Indian states are now able to use the Seaport and Airport of Chattogram, she said adding that India can also use the Mongla port. Hasina said Bangladesh has graduated from the status of least developed country to a developing country due to her government’s relentless efforts in the last 12 years. “We’re taking Bangladesh on the track of prosperity by overcoming multiple obstacles,” she added. Also read: Independence Day: PM Hasina pays homage to Bangabandhu She said her government wants to make Bangladesh an upper-middle-income country by 2031 and a developed and prosperous one by 2041. Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu’s eldest daughter, said Bangabandhu was a great believer in regional cooperation. “In addition to the political freedom of the oppressed people of the world, he dreamed of economic emancipation. That made him emphasise regional cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and equality,” she added. She expressed gratitude to the Indian government and the Prime Minister for awarding the prestigious ‘Gandhi Peace Prize-2020’ to Bangabandhu at this very auspicious moment. “I must say, India indeed honoured a worthy leader in South Asia as well as a real fellow of Gandhiji through this award,” she said. She also thanked the government and the people of India as India is providing 109 ambulances to Bangladesh this time as a gift of their amicable gesture for the people of Bangladesh. Noting that Indian government always remains beside Bangladesh, she said every Indian political party and the people of India, irrespective of their creed and views, become united regarding any issue of Bangladesh and stand beside the people of Bangladesh. “India is not only our next-door neighbour, we’ve historical, social, cultural, heritage, and geographical rapports with this country,” she said. Recollecting that the people and the Government of India were immensely involved in the evolution process of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, “The self-sacrifice (of a notable number of Indian soldiers), support, and cooperation of the people of India during our Liberation War will never be forgotten. We gratefully recollect that contribution.” In recognition of outstanding contribution to the Liberation War, Bangladesh dedicated the ‘Independence Award’ to late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the ‘Liberation War Friendship Award’ to 225 Indian citizens including the ‘Liberation War Award’ to former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said. On the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, and 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations, the two countries have decided to hold several joint programmes, she said. Besides, the Indian government has taken the initiative of the Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition commemorating the two most-reputed leaders of this subcontinent Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib and Mahatma Gandhi, she continued. Sheikh Hasina extended her sincere thanks to the Indian Prime Minister for attending this festival amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “We always recall with respect the contribution of India to our liberation. So, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi glorified our event attending it as the guest of honour,” she said. At the event, Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana accompanied by Sheikh Hasina received the prestigious ‘Gandhi Peace Prize-2020’ from Narendra Modi, which was conferred on Bangabandhu. The Indian Prime Minister was honoured with ‘Eternal Mujib Memento’. Sheikh Rehana handed over the memento to Modi. The video messages of UN Secretary General António Guterres and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were also screened. Congratulatory messages from Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, USA President Joe Biden and Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan read out by the heads of their respective diplomatic missions stationed in Dhaka. Earlier, Sheikh Hasina along with her younger sister Sheikh Hasina received Modi when he reached the venue at 4:30pm. Later, both the prime ministers witnessed a cultural programme there.

President Abdul Hamid on Friday urged the people to carry out their respective duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity to make independence meaningful and disseminate its benefits among the mass people. He said the country achieved its independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu after a Liberation War lasting nine months and costing many lives. “Therefore, we have to carry out our respective duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity in order to make our independence meaningful and disseminate the benefits of independence among mass people. In imparting our duties in personal, family, social, political and state related affairs, we need to behave very responsibly,” he said. President Hamid made the remarks while addressing the final day of 10-day special programme 'Mujib Chirantan' as chief guest marking 50 years of independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Parade Ground. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi attended the celebrations in the afternoon as special guest. Hamid said that people need to develop able leadership, emphasising principles, ethics and ideals in all sectors. The President said the development of the country and people are not the sole responsibility of the political leadership. Rather, as citizens of an independent country, it is the duty and responsibility of all. Mentioning independence as the right of the people, the President said the true meaning of freedom can only be achieved if it is used properly without limiting it within the accomplishment of rights. Again, the beauty of freedom diminishes with its inappropriate use. Liberation and arbitrariness cannot be treated in the same manner. Terming India as the closest neighbour and a trusted friend of Bangladesh, President Hamid recalled with deep appreciation the unstinting moral and material support that the political leaders and people of India extended to Bangladesh during our Liberation War. Also read: President Abdul Hamid to receive coronavirus vaccine tomorrow Hamid also remembered with profound respect the heroes of Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in our great Liberation War and expressed sincere thanks to the Government of India for the decision to confer the ‘Gandhi Peace Prize 2020’ upon Bangabandhu posthumously in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods. The President hoped that the visit of the Prime Minister of India will further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries. Celebration of the Birth Centenary is an admirable initiative to know and realise Bangabandhu. The President said: “In place of the ceremonial components of the celebration, we need to put emphasis on educating our new and future generations about the life, work, principles and ideals of Bangabandhu. Initiatives need to be taken so that we can represent Bangabandhu in the international arena in different languages.” Hamid also called upon researchers, historians and politicians to play pioneering role in this regard. He shared his direct observation how India had supported and co-operated with us during our glorious War of Independence. At least 10 million people from then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) took shelter in India. At that time, the government and people of India provided shelter to our 10 million people, arranged their food, provided training to the freedom fighters, supplied weapons, conducted diplomatic efforts to obtain the support of the outside world in favour of our fight for independence, and also a number of Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives as members of the allied force. This is a unique example in the history of empathy and humanity, Hamid said. Also read: President Abdul Hamid wants closer ties with Canada 'Friendship to all, malice to none'- following the policy of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh is successfully advancing in the diplomatic arena by developing bilateral and multilateral relations. The land boundary agreement with India has already been implemented and the maritime boundary dispute has been resolved peacefully. President Hamid said bilateral talks aimed at resolving other unresolved issues are being held regularly and hoped that these unresolved issues will be settled amicably and in a dignified way soon. Prime Minister Hasina received Modi at the VVIP tarmac of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) upon his arrival by a special flight in the morning.  The Indian Prime Minister was received by 19 gun salutes and given the guard of honour. He visited the National Martyrs Memorial at Savar and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city to pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu. Also read: President Abdul Hamid reaches Geneva Modi placed wreaths and planted a sapling at the National Martyrs Memorial and signed the visitors’ book there. He also placed wreaths on the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and signed the visitors’ book. He jointly inaugurated Bangabandhu-Bapu Museum and attended a state banquet preceded by a cultural programme hosted by Prime Minister Hasina. Modi will have a one-to-one meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart and hold bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office. He will also meet President Hamid at Bangabhaban on March 27. Narendra Modi arrived here on a two-day state visit to attend the twin mega celebrations marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation and 50 years of independence.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering arrives here on Tuesday on a state visit as a special representative of the Bhutanese King to participate in the celebrations of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence.

Khadi, the heritage fabric of India, is all set to catch eyeballs during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Bangladesh on March 26 & 27.