Leaders of the Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit of the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement today took down the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the council room in the university’s new administrative building today. Several coordinators from the movement gathered outside the building around 1 pm before proceeding to the council room. The students chanted slogans like “Mujibbaad er godite agun jalo ek sathe, Mujibbaad er astana bhenge dao guriye dao”. After removing the portrait, the group held a brief rally outside the building. Touhid Siam, a coordinator of the movement, said, “We previously issued an ultimatum to the university administration to remove Sheikh Mujib’s portrait, but they failed to act. Therefore, we took matters into our own hands. Mujibbaad will no longer exist in Bangladesh.” Rizvi apologises for remarks on removal of Mujib's portrait In a separate development around 3 pm, students under the banner of ‘Gono Obbhutthan Rokkha Andolon’ held a protest rally demanding reforms to the university’s quota system and the removal of portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from university offices. Shoaib Hasan, a student of Urban and Regional Planning and an activist of the group, said, "Our demands include the abolition of the Vice-Chancellor’s quota in JU admissions, reforms to the reserved quota for the offspring of employees, and the removal of Sheikh Mujib's portraits, which represent autocracy, from all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions."

Awami League on Wednesday condemned the interim government’s move to cancel eight significant national days, including the one commemorating the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu and August 15. “The Bengali nation is rejecting this intention of wanting to fuel the politics of division and reactionary evil forces by erasing the national history of Bengali by pressing the reset button,” the party said in a press release. It mentioned that the entire nation and people inspired by the spirit of the great Liberation War will unitedly respond to this ‘despicable’ action. The Council of Advisers took the decision in a recent meeting. The Cabinet Division is expected to issue a gazette notification in this regard soon. The days are— March 17 celebrates both the birthday of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day, August 5 marks the birth anniversary of Shaikh Hasina's brother Sheikh Kamal and August 8 the birth anniversary of Hasina's mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnecha Mujib, October 18 is observed marking Hasina's youngest brother Sheikh Russell Day, November 4 as National Constitution Day and December 12 recognises Smart Bangladesh Day. Awami League said that ‘well-planned’ steps are being taken to destroy human values and the spirit of the liberation war. “They are hostile to the brave freedom fighters and those who believe in the spirit of the liberation war.” Awami League offers Durga Puja greetings to Hindus, calls for peaceful celebration The press release mentioned that misusing the state apparatus to eliminate the pro-liberation forces from national politics, the interim government is carrying out ‘mass arrests on false charges’. “State has established anarchism in the country, which is called Matsyanyaya.” Fed up with the government's inefficiency and lawlessness, Awami League said that people have already started saying, “we used to have a beautiful days.” The press release said that the greatest achievement of Bengal and Bengalis is the establishment of the independent and sovereign Bangladesh state, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation. “The contribution of the trusted colleagues of the Father of the Nation, the freedom-loving people of the country and his family is indelible. But we can see that all the individuals, institutions and symbolic structures of the liberation struggle are suffering from the vindictive behavior of the government.” As a result of this, the press release reads, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and national days related to national history are decided to be excluded from the state activities. “We strongly condemn and protest against such retaliatory measures.” These included the historic Awakening Speech Day on March 7, Children's Day on March 17, and days of mourning such as August 15, recognized as World Heritage by Unesco. “The significance of these days in our national history cannot be denied in any way. No one can 'hold' us by pressing the reset button.” Awami League firmly hopes that truth shall prevail above all. “The days that were cancelled due to the hatred of the government, the Bengali will observe them socially and culturally with utmost compassion as always and will firmly say, we will come back to the banks of the Dhanshiri River.”

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Homecoming Day was observed in Tokyo with due fervor and solemnity. On this occasion, a discussion meeting was organized at the embassy this morning. Officials of the embassy, led by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed, laid floral wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Nepal's PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina on re-election, extends invitation     A minute's silence was observed in the memory of Bangabandhu and the martyrs of August 15, 1975. Later, a special prayer was offered for the eternal peace of the souls of the Father of the Nation and the martyred members of his family, as well as for the welfare of the country and the nation. Then the messages given by the President and the Prime Minister on Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day were read out. Brazil congratulates PM Hasina, willing to continue deepening ties with Bangladesh During the discussion, Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmad humbly recalled the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the history of the nation's struggle for freedom. He said that Bangladesh was born through the long movement and Liberation War led by the Father of the Nation. The ambassador said that although victory was achieved on December 16, 1971, it was completed only after the return of the Father of the Nation on January 10, 1972. Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day observed in Brunei He called upon all to work towards the implementation of Vision 2041, announced by the Prime Minister, to take the country forward on the path of progress and prosperity by completing the unfinished work of Bangabandhu. A documentary on Bangabandhu's homecoming was screened after the discussion.

The newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners of Egypt, Vatican, Sri Lanka and Pakistan visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka on Thursday. The envoys paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman placing flower wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu. Bangladesh, Argentina sign maiden MoU for agricultural cooperation They also signed the visitors' book and took a tour of the museum. The ambassadors were presented with gifts by the museum. “Comprehensive, coordinated” response needed to address challenges faced by GBV survivors The newly appointed envoys to Bangladesh are: Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Omar Mohie Eldin Ahmed Fahmy, Apostolic-Nuncio of Holy See-Vatican Kevin Randall , High-Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Dharmapala Weerakkody and High-Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Syed Ahmed Maroof. Alliance Française de Dhaka launches its revamped website

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday blasted countries around the world for not speaking up after the assassination of  Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the members of his family on August 15, 1975. "When the conspirators killed Bangabandhu and other members of his family on August 15, 1975, no country in the world spoke of humanity. They didn't even send condolence messages about their deaths. Nowadays, many countries around the world keep singing the song of humanity. But they were silent when Bangabandhu and his family were killed," he said. Read : Metro Rail and Padma Bridge prove AL believes in deeds, not words: Quader Momen was addressing a discussion and Doa mahfil organised by the Bangabandhu Foundation on the occasion of National Mourning Day at Tejgaon College Auditorium in the capital on Thursday afternoon. Deputy Leader of the House Matia Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. Referring to the infamous Indemnity Act, the foreign minister said, "There was a black law that prohibited the trial of Bangabandhu's murderers. Nowhere in the history of the world that I am aware of has there been such a "black law" that prevents the prosecution of murderers." "Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, freed the country from the stigma by bringing the killers of her father and family members to justice after coming to power following 21 years of struggle," the minister said. Read : Will fight back if our movement is obstructed: Gayeshwar Referring to the assassination of four national leaders inside Dhaka Central Jail on November 3, 1975, Momen said the aim of the killers was to completely root out those who believed in the spirit of freedom. Drawing attention to a troubled period during the BNP-Jamaat government from 2001 to 2006, Momen detailed the rise of militancy and terrorism across the country around that time. "With the support of the government, notorious terrorists like Siddiqul Islam, alias Bangla Bhai, emerged. Sixty-three of the 64 districts of Bangladesh were bombed simultaneously. People were killed by bombing in courts during trials," he said. A foreign diplomat went to a shrine in Sylhet and was targeted in a grenade attack that killed three people, including police. More than 50 people, including the ambassador, were injured." Momen cautioned that national and worldwide conspiracies similar to the one that occurred on August 15, 1975, were still being planned. Read : Attack by post-deprived Jubo-Swechasebak Dal activists leaves 12 hurt in N’ganj Referring to the August 21 grenade attack against Sheikh Hasina, the foreign minister expressed his determination not to return to a time of fear and insecurity when citizens were afraid to leave their homes or send their children to school and college. He urged support for Hasina's government, emphasising the collective responsibility to secure a better future for Bangladesh. Executive President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, Advocate Dr Mashiur Malek, Principal of Tejgaon College, and Vice President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, Dr Harun-or-Rashid, among others, spoke on the occasion.

If anyone wants to know about Bangladesh, he or she must know about the Father of the Nation. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is an inseparable part of the nation’s history. Books can help to explore his remarkable life, from his early years to his charismatic leadership during tumultuous times. Autobiographies and other insightful books can vividly depict his struggles, political endeavours, and dedication to social justice. In this article, we have selected 7 best books on the Father of the Nation to help the youths learn more about the greatest leader in Bangladesh’s history. Books by Bangabandhu The architect of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all time, was not only a public leader but also deeply passionate about literature and culture. The proof of this can be found in his three books, ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’, ‘Prison Diaries’ and ‘New China 1952’. The Unfinished Memoirs ‘Oshomapto Attojiboni’ (The Unfinished Memoirs) is an autobiography by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman written in Bengali. In 2004, Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina received four notebooks containing his writing. The writing on the old, worn-out pages revealed that these were his unfinished autobiography, written between 1967 and 1969 while in prison. In his memoirs, Bangabandhu vividly paints a detailed picture of various facets of his life. He expressively recounts his ancestry and childhood years, his experiences during school and college, as well as his involvement in social and political spheres. his story digs into the historical events that he closely observed as a committed political activist, both preceding and following India's partition. He provides insights into the occurrences such as famine, communal riots in Kolkata and Bihar, the partition itself, and the discriminatory stance of Pakistan's central government. The memoir also meticulously documents pivotal moments such as the Language Movement, the emerging stirrings of the autonomy and independence movements, and skillfully captures a blend of immense uncertainties and soaring aspirations that defined the nation during that era. Bangabandhu did not shy away from expressing his perspectives on other notable leaders of the time, such as Maulana Bhashani, A.K. Fazlul Haq, Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Yar Mohammad Khan, Liaquat Ali Khan, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Ghulam Muhammad, Abul Hashim, Khawaja Nazimuddin, Chaudhury Muhammad Ali, Mohammad Ali Bogra, and Nurul Amin. This is the most reliable book to learn about the overall life of the Father of the Nation before the Liberation War. The book was first published in 2012 by The University Press Limited, Dhaka in Bangla language. Since its first publication, ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’ has been published in many languages including in braille as well. Read more: Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? A Short Biography of Bangabandhu, Father of the Nation The Prison Diaries ‘Karagarer Roznamcha’ (The Prison Diaries) is the second memoir by Bangabandhu. Written in Bangla, this book is based on Bangabandhu’s days in jail from 1966 to 1968. Besides discussing the details of prison life, the book reveals the political, economic, and social conditions of contemporary Pakistan. Bangabandhu mentioned political situations at that time, the condition of Awami League leaders and workers in prison, the condition of the media, and the ruthless torture of the rulers. In addition to that, the Father of the Nation also highlighted conspiracy, betrayal, love of nature, devotion to parents, the joys and sorrows in prison in the book. When Bangabandhu was released from prison in 1969, the then government of Pakistan seized his diaries. Four of them were returned later. In 2009, at the initiative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and with the help of the Special Branch, two more notebooks were retrieved. Based on them, Bangla Academy published the book in 2017.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (August 14, 2023) said the government would reward those who can provide information on the killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “If you can give us information, you will be rewarded,” he said while speaking at a discussion at Jatiya Press Club. Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Daily Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Omar Faruk, former Secretary General Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan,among others, spoke at the discussion. Momen also called for unmasking those who kept mum for 21 years about the killers and the persons behind the killers. “All those people should be unmasked.” Describing Canada and the USA as countries with very strong rule of law, the foreign minister said they should not shelter murderers. The five killers who remain fugitives are Khandaker Abdur Rashid, Shariful Haque Dalim, Nur Chowdhury, Rashed Chowdhury and Moslehuddin Khan. Read: ‘Want Bangabandhu's killers to be deported to Bangladesh’: FM Nur Chowdhury and Rashed Chowdhury have been traced in Canada and the US and Bangladesh wants them back to implement the conviction. Momen said the government will be very happy if all the killers are brought back to face justice. “But we are yet to do it. If we can, we will feel that it is a great achievement.” Momen said the government has written many letters to the US and Canadian governments seeking steps for returning the killers; even the PM wrote to the US president. He encouraged the Bangladeshis living in Canada and the US to stage demonstrations routinely in front of the two killers’ residences. Read: Bangabandhu’s vision, ideals will continue to inspire Dhaka-Delhi strong bonds of friendship: Pranay Verma The foreign minister laid emphasis on writing more research-oriented books with solid facts so that they can provide more documentary evidence. The National Mourning Day will be observed on August 15. On this day in 1975, the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members was brutally assassinated. Read more: It's shame for them, FM on countries sheltering Bangabandhu's killers

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the historic six-point day. The premier placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in Dhaka. After laying the wreath in the morning, she stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independence. Flanked by senior Awami League leaders, Hasina placed another wreath at the portrait as the party chief. Also read: Bangabandhu Memorial Museum: Witness to History and Tragedy Later, associate bodies of Awami League, including Dhaka city AL, Chhatra League, Jubo League, Sramik League, Krishak League, Mohila Awami League and Swechchhasebak League placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu marking the historic occasion. On this day in 1966, Bangabandhu launched a massive movement against the misrule of the Pakistanis on the basis of the six- point demand, the Magna Carta of the Bangalees demanding autonomy for the then East Pakistan. Also read: Mujibnagar Day: PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu The Awami League under the leadership of Bangabandhu called for a day-long hartal on June 7 in 1966 throughout then East Pakistan pressing the demand for autonomy to end the exploitation, deprivation, subjugation and tyranny of the then central government of Pakistan on the people here. Ten people, including labour leader Manu Mian, Shafique and Shamsul Haque, were killed as the police and paramilitary East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) opened fire on the demonstrators on the day in Dhaka, Tongi and Narayanganj during the hartal. The Pakistani atrocities intensified the movement for provincial autonomy turning it into the historic mass upsurge in 1969 that subsequently caused the downfall of the reign of Field Marshal Ayub Khan. END/UNB/FF/F

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.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s grandson and trustee of Center for Research and Information (CRI) Radwan Mujib Siddiq, who is credited with connecting young changemakers through the Young Bangla platform, turned 43 today. The son of Bangabandhu's younger daughter Sheikh Rehana received an overwhelming volume of wishes from all quarters, especially youths who were recognized, groomed, and networked through his initiatives. Born on May 21, 1980, Radwan is the eldest among three siblings. His father Shafique Ahmed teaches at globally renowned universities. Radwan Mujib is known for spearheading a series of initiatives to connect young trailblazers under the ‘Young Bangla’ platform. Themed on "connecting the dots", Young Bangla, the country’s largest youth network that operates under CRI, has groomed and recognized 153 champions of change so far, while contributions to society by a number of achievers have bestowed them with top-notch international accolades. Sadat Rahman, who received the International Children's Peace Prize for his anti-cyberbullying initiatives, attributes his international acclamation to the grooming and networking offered by the Joy Bangla Youth Award, a vision brought forth and carried forward by Radwan. Sadat was handed the peace prize by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai. Sadat holds Radwan in high regard as his mentor, stating that the youth award has motivated him to pursue his ambitions. Mohammad Mohasin, a renowned cricketer who won trophies overseas despite his disability and reliance on a wheelchair, posted "happy birthday Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby bhai" on his Facebook page. Dr. Manoshi Saha, one of the founders of Travelettes of Bangladesh, a Facebook-based group of female travelers, explained how the award bolstered their efforts to travel the entire country, a project they call "Bangladesh through the eyes of women." Calling Radwan’s thought behind the award an "inspiration", Manoshi said: "Soon after we received the award, we found our works started resonating well. Initially, we were just a handful of four travelers, but now we have expanded to bigger scales... Like ours, I believe many such youth-led organizations found the award a big push for their work.” Radwan undertook a number of projects adding flesh and blood to history to connect with youths. His brainchildren include Joy Bangla Concert (a concert themed on the Liberation War-time slogan 'Joy Bangla'), Joy Bangla Youth Award (a countrywide initiative to award young changemakers), Mujib Graphic Novel (a first ever comic-style sketch of young Mujib, who would go on to become the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu). His idea of presenting history creatively through anecdotes and vignettes instead of mere dates and names can be traced back to his traumatic experience during his school life when military rulers made his grandfather Bangabandhu a forbidden name. Radwan, co-produced “Hasina: A Daughter's Tale”, a docufiction poignantly narrating the real-life struggles of Sheikh Hasina after the murder of her father in a coup on August 15, 1975. As the editor-in-chief of WhiteBoard, the country's first policy-based magazine, Radwan regularly interacted with youths through the projects he had set in motion. His sister Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, reputed for her fiery speech and biting wit, is a member of parliament in the UK. The long-haired, casually dressed, and exposure-averse Radwan advanced a gamut of storytelling ventures that youths dived deep into, according to social media posts.