Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (May 28, 2023) said Bangladesh has been able to achieve remarkable socioeconomic development in the last 14 years due to a peaceful democratic environment prevailing in the country since 2008 elections. She gave the credit for the success to her party Awami League which formed the government in 2009 after winning the 2008 election. The prime minister was speaking at a programme celebrating the golden jubilee of the conferment of the Joliot-Curie Peace Medal to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Cabinet Division organised the programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) with the PM in the chair. Read more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls Hasina said after getting the people's mandate in 2008 her government has been working for the development of the country in a planned way. “As a result we have been able to reduce the poverty rate and maternal mortality, increase literacy and life expectancy,” she said. “So a peaceful sustainable environment is needed for the people to attain economic emancipation, and all have to remember that,” she said. Denouncing global arms race she put emphasis on settling all disputes through dialogue as Bangladesh did with India and Myanmar. “Why this arms race (going on) now, why will not the money that is being used for arms competition be used for hungry children and humans. For this arms competition thousands of children and women are leading inhuman lives around the globe,” she said. Read more: Bangladesh's upcoming national polls will be under AL govt: PM Hasina In this connection, she mentioned that Bangladesh has given shelter to more than one million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Rohingyas, who faced oppression her 1971. In this regard she recalled the genocide Bengalis suffered in 1971. “We want that peace returns to the world. There shall be no types of unrest (in the world),” she said. PM Hasina said that those who did not want the Independence of the country had killed Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “Every moment we have to overcome their (anti-Liberation forces) barriers,” she said. The prime minister firmly said Bangladesh does not want any unrest and confrontation in the world. Read more: How Bangladesh became a role model for dev: PM Hasina tells Qatar University students in Doha “We want development in people’s lives, and we always want that for every one” she said. She also announced introduction of ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Peace Prize’ to recognise those who are working for establishing peace at home and abroad. “Because we want peace we will surely advance towards the path of peace,” she said. Eminent researcher Monayem Sarker delivered his keynote speech at the programme. Eminent novelist Anwara Syed Haq, former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, former principal secretary and chief coordinator of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury took part in discussion on the keynote. Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Rajshahi BNP leader sued for 'death threat against PM' President of Bangladesh Peace Council Mozaffar Hossain Paltu and Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain also spoke. The PM also released a first day cover and commemorative stamp and unveiled a souvenir publication on this occasion. A documentary on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman‘s JulioCurie Peace Prize award was screened at the programme. Later, the prime minister witnessed a colourful cultural programme organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of the Bengali nation-state and the architect of independence, the forerunner of democracy and peace movement, was awarded the JulioCurie Peace Prize by the World Peace Council on May 23, 1973. Read more: PM’s 2nd visit to Qatar in 3 months bears sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in int’l arena: Momen To commemorate the contributions of world-renowned scientists Marie Curie and Pierre Curie to the struggle for world peace, the World Peace Council introduced Joliot-Curie Peace Prize for distinguished individuals and organisations in 1950 for outstanding contribution to the fight against fascism, anti-imperialism, humanitarian welfare and peace. Among the award winners were World leaders like Fidel Castro, Ho Chi Minh, Yasser Arafat, Salvador Allende, Nelson Mandela, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, poet and politician Pablo Neruda, Jawaharlal Nehru, Martin Luther King and Leonid Brezhnev.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman this morning on the occasion of Independence and National Day. On her return from the National Memorial at Savar, the Prime Minister paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka. After placing the wreath, she stood there in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of Bangladesh’s independence. Sheikh Hasina stayed at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum for some time. Also read: PM pays homage to Bangabandhu on his birthday Flanked by central leaders of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, president of the party, laid another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of AL.  

The Bangabandhu Foundation has paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking its 21st anniversary.   Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, also president of the Bangabandhu Foundation, paid homage by placing a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka on Wednesday. Leaders and members of the foundation were also present at that time. The foreign minister later celebrated the anniversary of the Bangabandhu Foundation by cutting a cake with the leaders and members.  Read more: Bangabandhu Foundation pays homage to ‘Father of Nation’ at Tungipara

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to the conquered country 25 days after independence of Bangladesh - on January 10, 1972. There is no such homecoming in the history. Homecoming is not just a come back to 'sweet home,' a return to the country, the soil of the country, and the people after a lifelong struggle to finally return to the firm hope of building a dream-Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal). Waiting for 28 days (9 months 12 days) to return home as a winner, while in the prison in Pakistan it was either death, or freedom. No, not death; Sheikh Mujib made the independence of his men and motherland after about 23 years of struggle, and a total of 13 years of imprisonment. He faced execution twice (1969 and 1971) but survived to implement the country's independence. When the Bengalis was united for independence at the call of Bangabandhu, the Pakistani military launched a brutal attack on the night of March 25, 1971 on the independence-loving Bengalis and arrested Bangabandhu from his Dhanmondi residence on March 26 at 1.20 pm, shortly after he declared the independence of Bangladesh. He could have escaped if he wanted to. But Bangabandhu was not such a man. In an interview with British journalist David Fraser, he made it clear: 'I thought it is better I die and at least save my people who love me so much. I am their leader, I will embrace death if necessary, but why should I escape? 'However, after the victory of Bangladesh, on international pressure Bangabandhu was released from prison on the morning of January 8, 1972. After his release, he returned to the country on January 10, 1972, via London and Delhi. When the plane carrying Bangabandhu touched the runway of Tejgaon Airport that afternoon, countless crowds greeted their undisputed leader with cheers and sky-scraping 'Joy Bangla' slogans. Bangabandhu went to Suhrawardy Udyan (then Racecourse Maidan) straight from the airport, where he one day urged millions of Bengalis to jump into the freedom struggle. There, he congratulated the country's people in an emotional voice for snatching victory in the bloody liberation war and called upon all to dedicate themselves to rebuilding the war-torn country. Read More: Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day today As soon as he returned to the country on January 10, 1972, getting him back alive millions of Bengalis welcomed him at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, where once he called for independence ten months back. He firmly called upon people, "If my people are killed again, then my request to you is: 'build fortress in every home'. In his words, the desire to liberate the motherland has fascinated the whole nation, provoked, 'Remember, since we have given blood, we will give more, by we will surely liberate liberate the people of this country, inshallah.' He emphasized, 'The struggle this time is the struggle for our liberation. The struggle this time is the struggle for our independence.' After returning to the country, the father of the nation started tidying up the country. In the beginning, he gave his focus in formulating the state policies- the principles on which the new country Bangladesh would be governed. Mujibbad gave a remarkable imprint of the life, culture, and heritage of the land and people of the country in politics, gifted with his political experience, wisdom, foresight, and the uniqueness of independent Bengal. He was not unaware of the plight of ordinary people in the war-torn country. He expressed his determination to alleviate their suffering as follows: "From today my request, from today my command, from today my order, as a brother-not as a leader, nor as to the president or as the prime minister, I am your brother, you are my brothers. This independence of mine will be futile-if the people of my Bengal are not fully fed on rice, this independence of mine will not be fulfilled-if the mothers and sisters of Bengal do not get clothes, this independence of mine will not be fulfilled-if the mothers and sisters of this country do not get clothes for the protection of their modesty, this independence of mine will not be fulfilled-if the people of this country, the youth of mine, do not find employment or do not get jobs." Read More: Anne de Henning’s rare photos of Bangladesh’s birth, Bangabandhu to have Dhaka exhibit Dec 15-24 The drafting of the constitution reflected the idea of local, and not the imitation of other developed countries. The views of the people were reflected in the constitution; 98 recommendations were adopted on the basis of public opinion. Bangabandhu always emphasized the will and needs of the people first. In just nine months, Bangabandhu presented the nation with one of the world's best constitutions, which was adopted by the National Assembly on November 4, 1972, and came into effect from December 16 (Victory Day). Speaking on the constitution in the parliament, the country's architect said: "This constitution is written in the blood of the martyrs. This constitution will survive as a tangible symbol of the hopes and aspirations of the entire people." It is unknown whether anyone else in history got a chance to speak about the passion and love that Bangabandhu expressed at the people's reception at all levels. Emotional Bangabandhu said at that auspicious time; my Bangladesh has become independent today. "My Bangladesh has been independent today, my life's desire has been fulfilled today, the people of my Bengal have been liberated today. My Bengal will remain free. Today I won't be able to make a speech. The way the sons of Bengal, the mothers of Bengal, the peasants of Bengal, the laborers of Bengal, the intellectuals of Bengal did struggle, I was imprisoned, was ready and waiting to go to the gallows. But I knew that they could not suppress my Bangalees. The people of my Bengal would be liberated." Read More: ‘Intense, fragile, powerful’: Forbes effusively lauds Paris exhibit on Bangladesh’s birth, Bangabandhu Sitting in a dark cell of a prison (multiple prisons - Karachi, Faisalabad) and dreaming of freedom, he was not sure he would return to his beloved motherland alive. "I did not know I would return to you", fascinated by the motherland, Bangabandhu uttered. "I have come. I did not know I was sentenced to death by hanging. A grave was dug for me beside my cell. I prepared myself, I said I'm a Bangalee, I'm a man, I'm a Muslim-who dies once not twice. I said, if death comes to me, I'll die laughing." Although Bangabandhu was imprisoned in Pakistan from March 26, 1971 to January 8, 1972 (9 months and 12 days), obviously he was alive in Bangladesh's consciousness and liberation struggle, and inspired them for nine months. He was the President of the Mujibnagar Government and the first President of the country. In his physical absence or absence, the four national leaders conducted the Mujibnagar government i.e., the war of liberation, by embracing his ideals, thoughts, and consciousness. Although he was in prison in Pakistan, he was not unaware of the atrocities that the Pakistanis had inflicted on the Bengalis in the nine-month war. Mentioning that 3 million people have been killed in the war, Bangabandhu aggrieved, "In the Second World War and also in the First World War, such a number of people, such a number of common citizens did not die, were not martyred, which happened in my 7-crore people's Bangladesh." While in prison in Pakistan, he was never disturbed or intimidated by the thought of execution. His compassion for the country was expressed in his speech: "I told just one thing, I have no objection if you kill me. Please return my dead body to my Bangalees, this is my only request to you."   He was a prison, but he believed that no one could keep the Bengalis in suppress. Bangladesh would be independent. And so he prepared in his mind about what to build an independent country. That is why he did not have to hurry or take time to concentrate on the task of building a Sonar Bangla, including the drafting of the constitution in the earliest possible time. The ruthless Pakistani military could not kill this great humane-the leader of the seven-crore Bangali. But he had to give his life in the hands of his 'loved' ones, in the plan of the very own traitors, while the chief mastermind Mushtaq sent the cooked the sand duck to Bangabandhu's home just two days ago (13 August). Who knew that this 'lovely' feast was also an exercise in plotting to assassinate Bangabandhu! By killing Bangabandhu, the murderous circle silenced his dream of Sonar Bangla. The Bangladeshi forms of politics that he has formulated in this country taken from the soil and people's lives was also blocked. When the people of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Bangabandhu, were determined to transform the country into Sonar Bangla in a democratic state system with a secular mindset of the 1970s, they stopped that progress by killing him and went back to the 'religion'-centric social divisions like the 1940s. Read More: What Was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Childhood Like? But the killers did not know that Bangabandhu could be killed and could not be kept suppressed (dabay rakha). He was, is, and will, always be. That is why the people overthrew the then military government in the late 1990s, overcoming all obstacles and bearing his secular mentality. He has always been equally popular, no matter whether his party is in power or not. For example, in a 2004 BBC poll, Bangabandhu was elected the greatest Bengali of all time (then the BNP-led government in power (2001-2006)). In 2005, the High Court quashed the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution and ruled to restore the 1972 constitution, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2010. Meanwhile, since 2010, people have rallied in various places, including the capital, to restore the 1972 constitution. In this favorable environment, the government led by his daughter restored the main provisions of the 1972 constitution in 2011. In addition to any emergency of the Awami League, Bangabandhu is still more relevant and influential in any crisis of the nation. As long as Bangladesh, so long Bangabandhu. In fact, Bangladesh and Bangabandhu are synonymous. On the question of Bangabandhu's relevance, Bengali economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen recently stated that 'Bangabandhu and his ideals are still relevant'. He further emphasized that Bangabandhu's philosophy and ideology should be imitated in the conflicting contemporary world, especially in South and South-East Asia. Bangabandhu's need for secularism and religious freedom in resolving ethnic and religious conflicts not only in Asia but also in the Western world is undeniable and socialist democracy is essential to build an exploitation-free society. The country lost its genuine architect and friend- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib a quarter century ago. But he was, is, will be in the arteries of Bengalis: "As long as Padma, Meghna, Gouri, Jamuna flows on, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, your accomplishment will also live on." Read More: Ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Can Inspire the Young Generation Dr. Ala Uddin, Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Chittagong. Email: [email protected]

Today (January 10) marks the historic Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all time. The day is being observed across the country in a fitting manner. President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the eve of the day, paying tributes to the Father of the Nation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhaka‘s Dhanmondi-32. After laying the wreaths, the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independent Bangladesh. Read: Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu: PM pays tribute at Dhanmondi-32 Awami League (AL) has planned various programmes to observe the historic day. AL’s programmes began with the hoisting of the national and party flags at the party’s central office, Bangabandhu Bhaban and its party offices across the country at 6:30am. AL leaders and workers paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban in the city’s Dhanmondi area at 7:30am. At 11 am, an AL delegation will pay respect to the undisputed leader of the nation by placing wreaths at his grave in Tungipara. Read: Bangabandhu’s ‘Homecoming Day’ to be observed Tuesday The AL delegation will include its presidium members Lt Col Muhammad Faruk Khan, central committee members Awowar Hossain, Shabuddin Farazi Iqbal Hossain Apu, Marufa Alter Popy, and Gloria Sarkar Jharna. On the occasion, a discussion will be held on a limited scale at the party's central office in Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Avenue at 3:30 pm, maintaining the health safety guidelines while Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will preside over the event. Besides, all district, city, upazila, thana, union and ward level units of the AL, its associate bodies are organising similar programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner. In a statement, AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader urged all party leaders, workers and its associates to observe all the programmes, marking Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day in a fitting manner. Read More: Anne de Henning’s rare photos of Bangladesh’s birth, Bangabandhu to have Dhaka exhibit Dec 15-24 Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of the nation and supreme commander of the country's Liberation War, returned to the newly independent Bangladesh after over nine and half months of captivity in a Pakistan jail on January 10 in 1972.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that Father of The Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did everything possible to place the country on a solid foundation. Momen said this while speaking as the chief guest at an award-giving ceremony organized by Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) at the Sylhet Zila Parishad Auditorium on Friday afternoon. “Under Bangabandhu’s leadership, Bangladesh received recognition from 126 countries within just three and a half years. After the Liberation War, Bangabandhu also sent back Indian soldiers from Bangladesh within just two and a half months. While Bangladesh received membership of all the major global organizations during his rule, his biggest contribution was to present the country with a constitution within just nine months of assuming power,” Momen said. Also read: Make PM stronger to materialize Bangabandhu’s dream: FM Momen added that the students need to know about the achievements of Bangabandhu. “Bangabandhu has worked on all fronts, including education, culture and religion. His policies and strategies in the agricultural sector are still guiding us. Our foreign policy, which is ‘Friendship to all, malice to none’, is also the brainchild of him,” added Momen. Writer and social worker Selina Momen attended the event as special guest. Fahima Yasmin, Secretary of Sylhet City Corporation, among others, was present at the event. Also read: Bangabandhu upheld the principle of neutrality in a bipolar world: Anisul

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday came down heavily on the then Awami League front ranking leaders for failing to protest and speak against the brutal killing of the Father of the Nation and his other family members. “There were so many slogans. Where did all those people go? There was not a single person who showed courage to protest the bloodshed.  Why could not they do that?" she asked. The prime minister was addressing a memorial meeting arranged by Bangladesh Awami League (AL) marking the National Mourning Day and 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Hasina, also the AL President, presided over the meeting held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC). She said that Awami League was a huge party having so many supporters and leaders, but not a single person got that guts to speak against the killing.  She mentioned that the body of Bangabandhu lay on the floor of Dhanmondi 32 number house from August 15 to August 16.  “He (Bangabandhu) did not take anything with him, rather he gave everything for his people. He gave a country, a nation, identity and self-identity for the people,” she said. Sheikh Hasina, the eldest child of the Father of the Nation, said that the kafon (funeral shroud) of Bangabandhu was made of the relief cloths which were supposed to be given to the poor people. “My father, mother, brothers and sisters did not take anything with them,” she said with an emotion- chocked voice adding,“Even their namaz e janaza was not performed.” “I have a question. Many leaders are here (at the BICC). The Father of the Nation phoned many of them, but what did they do,” she asked. She mentioned that everyone remains beside while a person is alive, but no one remains beside a dead person. “That is the painful reality…I do not expect anything…” Read: PM Hasina: Govt devising ways to bring down prices of essentials

Although he lived a relatively short life, Father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire people around the world. His ideals of democracy, equality, and justice are as relevant today as they were when he was alive. Today's youth can learn a lot from Bangabandhu's example, and his life story is an inspiring reminder of what is possible when we stand up for what we believe in. What Today's Youth Can Learn from Bangabandhu's Ideals? There are a few politicians in the world who are remembered for a sign of courage due to their actions, and Bangabandhu is one of them. Inspired by his brilliance, the youth still cherish becoming a person like Sheikh Mujib. Here are the 8 lessons youth can learn from the father of the nation’s ideals. Love the People Bangabandhu went to the root level to know the people's demands for 31 years. It has led general people to become bold and competent in proclaiming their civil and moral rights and their fair right to live a life free from doubt. He loved Bangladeshi people very much.  Read 'BRAVEHEART’: Gallery Cosmos pays rich artistic tribute to Bangabandhu On January 18, 1972, in response to a question by British television journalist David Frost, he said, "My greatest strength is the love for my people; my greatest weakness is that I love them too much." This can teach today's youth about how to love selflessly. Strong Personality and Leadership Skills Mujib was known for his strong personality and charisma, which helped him to gain the support of the people. With his strong personality, Bangabandhu was able to bring people together and get them to work towards a common goal. He was also very honest and straightforward, which helped to build trust among the people he worked with. So, the youth can take lessons from this personality and leadership skill to make themselves a better person. Honesty Honesty was the main driving force in Bangabandhu's life, which he learned from his family. In 'The Unfinished Memoirs' page 21, we find that his father, Sheikh Lutfar Rahman told him in 1942, "I will not object to politics, you are fighting against Pakistan, it is so much happiness, but do not forget to study. If you don't study, you can't become a good person." Mujib's father also told him, "If you have 'Sincerity of Purpose and Honesty of Purpose, you will not be defeated in life." Read What Was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Childhood Like? Throughout his life, Bangabandhu practised honesty, and he never resorted to lies and hypocrisy in politics. Visionary Father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a leader with acute vision. With his vision he understood, even if Pakistan and India were divided 1947, it would not benefit Bengalis. The prudent and wise leader Bangabandhu understood this well. From that time, he thought about Bengalis independence.  Not only in political struggle but also in managing a war-torn country in just three and a half years, he took some steps which originated from his visionary thinking. His cherished dream was to build Sonar Bangla. He was also implementing well-planned economic activities for that purpose. Read Bangabandhu Biopic: A joint production of Bangladesh and India Bangabandhu's legacy continues to inspire Bangladeshis today, and his vision for a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh is as relevant as ever. Confidence In each step of his life, Sheikh Mujib walks the path with infinite courage. Crossed the difficult path alone with confidence. But there is a sense of confusion among today's youth. A little disappointment makes them lose their confidence.  So it is very important to know Bangabandhu to energise ourselves. Thus the young people can get inspired by the ideals of Bangabandhu's thought and spirit and move forward. Read Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? A Short Biography of Bangabandhu, Father of the Nation Fight Against Injustice Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dedicated his life to fighting against all injustice, no matter who was responsible. He was a man of great integrity and moral courage, and he never wavered in his commitment to justice.  As the leader of Bangladesh, he inspired his people to stand up against the tyranny of the Pakistani government and fight for their independence. He told the youth to protest where there is injustice; Resist those individuals and institutions that capitalise on people's helplessness to build a house of power and self-interest. To follow Bangabandhu's ideology, we must be mentally prepared to fight against the injustice of our society. Read Bangabandhu Memorial Museum: Witness to History and Tragedy Dreamer Bangabandhu was a dreamer and helped people to dream. He has shown the Bengali nation a dream of a united, poverty-free, corruption-free non-communal Bangladesh. Bangabandhu had boundless passion, immense faith, and hope for the country.  Today's youth can take this as a lesson. If those qualities are not instilled in the young generation, the implementation of Bangabandhu's ideals will not be possible. The young generation should come to the forefront to realise Bangabandhu's dream to establish a Bangladesh free from exploitation and corruption. Patriotism Bangabandhu taught the people of Bangladesh the true meaning of patriotism. He showed that patriotism is not just about loving one's country but also about fighting for its independence and sovereignty. It is about loving Bangladesh enough to make it a better place.  Read Bangabandhu, Gandhi share striking similarities in political philosophy: Doraiswami This was the kind of patriotism that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman showed when he fought for the independence of Bangladesh. He could have easily chosen to remain part of Pakistan, but he knew that Bangladesh deserved to be its own country. Mujib's patriotism was about more than just his country. It was about justice and humanity. So, the youth should learn this and apply it to their daily life. Final Words The ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman can inspire the young generation of Bangladesh to build a prosperous nation while protecting the sovereignty of the country. These lessons include the importance of freedom, democracy, human rights, value of education & knowledge, need for unity & solidarity, etc. By understanding and internalising the father of the nation’s ideals, today's youth can help build a better future for themselves and for their country. Read ‘I look up to Bengali people for justice’, said Rehana in 1983 interview

Prime Minister's energy advisor Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury has urged all to follow Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to become self- confident to overcome all obstacles. He was speaking as the chief guest at a virtual discussion meeting, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation and the National Children's Day 2022 on Thursday. He said Bangabandhu fought all his life for the freedom of common man. Also read: Bangabandhu’s 102nd birth anniversary observed “If we can follow him properly, we will be able to do something for the country and the common people," he added. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid in a message at the meeting said that Bangabandhu loved the children most. His dream was that the children and teenagers would develop their skills in sports as well as pursuing the modern education. Also read: Bangabandhu's birthday evokes his dream: Joy Bangabandhu's self-sacrific, patriotism and struggle must be presented to the children and adolescents for the development of their humane qualities, said the state minister. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Chairman ABM Azad, Petobangla Chairman Nazmul Ahsan, and Additional Secretary SM Zakir Hossain also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, , the officials of the Power Division placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bidyut Bhaban on the occassion of Bangabandhu's birth anniversary and the National Children's Day.

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