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Handout Number : 1321
on Bangabandhu’s 101st anniversary
New Delhi (India) March 17 :
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi today celebrated
101st Birth Anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day 2021 with a
resolve to work for realizing his dream of building “Sonar
Bangla.”
The day’s programme began with hoisting of national flag by
Muhammad Imran at Chancery premises. High Commissioner Muhammad
Imran, along with the members of the mission, placed a wreath at
the portrait of Bangabandhu in the chancery building.
It was followed by reading out of messages from President Md. Abdul
Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister A.K Abdul
Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar
Alam.
In presiding over the meeting Imran said Bangabandhu’s illustrious
life was cut short by his assassination in 1975, but his legacy and
ideals will inspire the Bengali nation forever. He said main goal
of Bangabandhu’s politics was the independence of the country, so
he was successful. His daughter our able Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina is also working with the aim of building “Sonar
Bangla”.
He Said “Our
children should learn more about our father of the nation, the
greatest Bengali of all time, so they can provide future leadership
in transforming our country into Sonar Bangla dreamt by him,” he
said.
The meeting was conducted by Minister (Political) Md. Nural Islam,
where Brigadier General Md Abul Kalam Azad, Defence Adviser spoke
on the occasion.
A special ‘munajat’ (prayers) was offered seeking divine blessings
for Bangabandhu and those were brutally killed on the fateful night
on August, 15, 1975.
Bangabandhu’s birthday is celebrated as National Children’s Day.
Later art competition, essay competition and cultural programme was
organized by the High Commission. Children of the mission took part
in painting, essay writing on ‘Bangabandhu and
Bangladesh’. Children joined the High Commissioner in cutting
a cake in utmost tribute to Bangabandhu.
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Handout Number : 1276
Prime Minister’s Message on the occasion of celebration of the
birth centenary of
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Dhaka, 16 March :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given the following Message on the
occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman :
“I extend my heartiest greetings to all the citizens of Bangladesh,
expatriate Bangladeshis and people of the world on the occasion of
celebration of the birth centenary of the architect of independent
Bangladesh, the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Mujib Year has been declared from March 2020 to December 2021 to
highlight the life and works of the Father of the Nation to the
mass people, Bangabandhu’s birth centenary celebration starts with
a grand opening on 17 March 2020. Along with Bangladesh, Mujib Year
is being celebrated globally with the initiative of UNESCO.
I pay my deepest homage to the Father of the Nation. I also pay my
respect to all the martyrs of the 15 August 1975.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was born in Tungipara village of Gopalganj
subdivision [now district] of the then Faridpur district on 17
March 1920. From his childhood he was fearless, indomitable, brave
and kind. He was conscious about politics and people's rights. The
key aim of the long political life of this world leader who had
keen memory and farsighted vision was to liberate the Bengali
nation from the chains of subjugation, and ensure a developed life
by freeing people from the curse of hunger, poverty and
illiteracy.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a legend. While studying at
Islamia College in Kolkata, he got involved in active politics.
After the famine of 1943 and the communal riots of 1946 in Kolkata,
young Sheikh Mujib with his classmates and colleagues devoted
himself to humanitarian activities in the affected areas daring his
life. After the partition of India, he returned from Kolkata and
got admitted into the University of Dhaka. Discriminatory attitudes
towards the people of the East Bengal by the elite rulers of the
just-liberated Pakistan hurt Bangabandhu.
In the meantime, attacks were made on our mother tongue.
Bangabandhu came forward in the struggle to establish the status
and dignity of Bangla language. In 1948, 'Rashtrabhasha Sangram
Parishad (State Language Movement Council)' was formed on
Bangabandhu's proposal by Chhatra League, Tamaddun Majlish and
other student organizations. On 11 March 1948, Bangabandhu was
arrested while observing a strike to materialize the demand for
recognition of Bangla as the state language. He was imprisoned
thrice between 1948 and 1949. He was continuously in jail from 1949
to 1952. Both while in and out of the jail, Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujib had led the Language Movement. During the incident of
killings of language movement activists on 21 February 1952,
Bangabandhu was observing a hunger strike in jail.
Please Turn Over
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In continuation of the Language Movement, all major movements of
Bengalees including Jukto-Front (United Front) election in 1954,
the movement against military rule of Ayub Khan in 1958, the
Education Movement in 1962, the Six-Point movement in 1966, the
movement against Agartala Conspiracy Case in 1968, the Mass Upsurge
in 1969, the General Elections in 1970 and the War of Liberation in
1971 were led by the undisputed leadership of Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The charismatic personality and
influential leadership of Bangabandhu united all the
freedom-aspiring Bangalees during the Liberation War. As a result,
we got an independent, sovereign Bangladesh. The entity of the
Bangalee nation flourished. Bangabandhu was not only a leader for
the Bangalees, he was also the leader in establishing rights and
emancipation of all oppressed, exploited and deprived people of the
world.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was imprisoned for at least 3,053 days
during the British and Pakistani regimes just for the cause of
establishing the rights of the people. It can be said that prison
was his second home. In order to strengthen Awami League as a
political organization, he voluntarily resigned from the cabinet in
1957. The historic 7 March speech of Bangabandhu has been
recognized by UNESCO as a world documentary heritage. Bangabandhu
was awarded Juliot Curie Peace Award in 1973 for his outstanding
contribution to the world peace.
Under the prudent leadership of the Father of the Nation, the
Indian Allied forces returned home Just within three months of
independence. A total of 126 countries recognized independent
Bangladesh. During his tenure Bangabandhu enacted many laws and
promulgated ordinances, many of which were ahead of their time,
including the law for maritime boundaries to govern the state.
Under his direction and supervision, a secular, rights-based and
equality prioritizing Bangladesh Constitution was adopted in mere
10 months. Me boldly faced major challenges of nation building by
establishing a people-centric balanced public administration,
activating the communication network and infrastructure destroyed
during the Liberation War, rehabilitating the refugees and the
violated women, controlling the law-and-order situation,
repatriating the stranded Bangladeshis from Pakistan and rebuilding
all the national institutions by freeing those from the grips and
influences of the collaborators of the Pakistani forces.
Bangabandhu started trials of the war criminals. The Father of the
Nation signed the landmark Land Boundary Agreement with India. A
Five-Year Plan for economic development was formulated. The GDP
growth rate reached 7 percent. Within three and a half years,
Bangabandhu turned war-ravaged Bangladesh into a Least Developed
Country (LDC). In order to maintain good relations with all the
countries in the world, he adopted the foreign policy based on the
principle of 'Friendship to all, malice to none'. Bangabandhu made
Bangladesh a dignified country in the world through ensuring the
country's membership to the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM) and the World Trade Organization, among others.
Please Turn Over
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When Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was moving forward with an aim to
build a Golden Bangladesh facing all obstacles, the defeated and
anti-liberation war cliques assassinated the Father of the Nation
along with most of his family members on 15 August 1975, A black
law titled 'Indemnity Ordinance' was enacted to prevent justice to
one of the most shameful killings in history and to give impunity
to the killers. After coming to power in 1996 with the people's
mandate, the Awami League government repealed the black law and
started the trial of Bangabandhu murder case. With the execution of
the verdict of the trial, the nation got rid of the stigma.
Since 2009, the successive governments of Bangladesh Awami League
have relentlessly been working to improve living standards of the
people. In the meantime, Bangladesh has achieved outstanding
socio-economic progress. It has fulfilled the requirements for
graduating from the least developed country to developing one.
Child and maternal mortality rates have drastically come down and
life expectancy has risen to 73 years. Literacy and economic growth
rates have grown rapidly. We have established 'Digital Bangladesh'.
Youths have been provided with modern information technology
instead of arms. The scope of education for girls has been widened
and women empowerment has been ensured at all levels. We have
modernised the Madrasa education and made it job-centric. Trials of
war criminals are going on and several verdicts have already been
executed. The rule of law has been established. Stability has been
ensured by rooting out terrorism and putting an end to the culture
of strikes. The long-awaited Land Boundary Agreement with India has
been implemented. We have resolved maritime disputes with India and
Myanmar and secured our rights in the Bay of Bengal. Villages are
being equipped with all civic amenities. Many mega projects such as
100 Special Economic Zones, more than 28 Hi-Tech Parks, Bangabandhu
Satellite-2, deep seaport, Padma Bridge, LNG terminals, Expressways
and Nuclear Power Plants, among others, are being implemented. The
country is moving forward. Today we have become a self-respecting
country in the world holding our heads high.
By formulating and implementing our 'Vision-2021', uVision-2041'
and 'Delta Plan-2100’, we have been working tirelessly to build a
hunger-poverty free developed-prosperous Bangladesh as envisioned
by the Father of the Nation. In the birth centenary of Father of
the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, let us all resolve to
take Bangladesh to even higher heights in the international arena;
let us determine to transform Bangladesh into a safe and peaceful
home for our next generation.
Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu
May Bangladesh Live Forever.”
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Handout Number : 1274
President's message on the occasion of the birth centenary of
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National
Children's Day
Dhaka, 16 March :
President Md. Abdul Hamid has given the following message on the
occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day :
“Today is I7th March, a memorable day in the history of the Bengali
nation. On this day in 1920 the greatest Bangali of all time, the
architect of sovereign and independent Bangladesh, Father of the
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born in Tungipara of
Gopalganj district. On the occasion of 101st Birth Anniversary of
the Father of the Nation, I pay my deep homage to this great
leader. The world is in turmoil today because of the Corona
pandemic. Corona has also obstructed in organizing different
programs of Bangabandhu's birth centenary. Therefore, for
celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation
grandiosely at home and abroad, the government has extended the
period of 'Mujibbarsho' till December 16, 2021. I call upon all
Bengalees living at home and abroad to celebrate this colorful
celebration of the centenary with due enthusiasm and fervor.
From his boyhood, Bangabandhu was very kind and generous to
humanity but uncompromising in attaining the rights. In the early
forties of the last century, having come into contact with Huseyn
Shaheed Suhrawardy, Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Haque and Moulana
Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Bangabandhu as a young student leader,
got involved in active politics. He led the nation in every
democratic and freedom movement including All-party State Language
Action Committee formed in 1948, the Language Movement in 1952,
Jukta-Front Election in 1954, movement against Martial Law in 1958,
Six-Point Movement in 1966, Mass Upsurge in 1969 and the General
Elections in 1970 for attaining freedom and rights of our people.
He was sent to jail several times and had to bear inhuman
sufferings for his active participation in those movements. But he
never compromised with the Pakistani rulers on the question of
establishing the rights of Bangalees.
On 7th March in 1971 at the Race Course Maidan, keeping with the
feelings and aspirations of the Bangalees, Bangabandhu uttered in
his thunderous voice, "The struggle this time is the struggle for
emancipation, the struggle this time is the struggle for
independence". This historic address was, in fact, the true charter
of our independence. On the night of March 25, when Pakistani
invaders attacked the unarmed Bangalees in a blaze, the Father of
the Nation declared the long-cherished Independence on 26th March
in 1971. We achieved ultimate victory through a nine-month long
armed struggle. How an address can rouse the whole nation, inspire
them to leap into the war of liberation for Independence, the
historic 7th March Speech by Bangabandhu is its unique example!
During our war of liberation, Bangabandhu was confined in Pakistan
jail and the then ruler of Pakistan farcically awarded him death
sentence. But Bangabandhu said, "I am a Muslim, I know Muslims die
only once. So I decided that I shall not bow down my head to them.
When 1 go to the gallows, 1 will say I am a Bengalee, Bangla is my
country, Bangla is my language". For his extraordinary
contributions to the nation, Bangla, Bangladesh and Bangabandhu,
thus, emerged as a single and identical symbol to the people of
Bangladesh.
Please Turn Over
-2-
Just after independence, Bangabandhu returned home on 10th January
in 1972 being free from Pakistan Jail. He put all-out efforts to
rebuild the war-torn economy. He took all preparations including
the returning of the members of allied forces to their country,
framing the country's Constitution in a short time, fulfilling the
basic rights of the people, eliminating corruption at all levels,
launching agricultural revolution, nationalizing the industries to
transform the country into 'Sonar Bangla'. But the anti-liberation
forces did not give the scope for materializing that dream as this
murderer group assassinated Bangabandhu and almost all of his
family members on 15th August in 1975.
In politics, Bangabandhu appears as a symbol of principle and
ideals. I believe that the young generation will be able to
contribute duly towards building the nation by reading valuable
books on Bangabandhu's life and works written by many famous
writers from home and abroad including 'Unfinished Memoirs',
'Karagarer Rojnamcha' (Prison Diary) and ‘Amar Dekha Naya Chin’
(The New China as 1 Saw) written by Bangabandhu himself. Because
Bangabandhu's ideal is our source of eternal inspiration.
Bangabandhu taught us how to reach the goal overcoming obstacles.
Following his footsteps, under the leadership of his worthy
daughter Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country is
moving towards the desired goal by successfully tackling Corona
pandemic.
In 'Mujibbarsho', let it be a pledge of all of us to turn
Bangladesh into 'Sonar Bangla' by completing the unfinished tasks
of Bangabandhu being imbued with the spirit of the war of
liberation. Let the principle and ideals of Bangabandhu spread from
generation to generation; a courageous, dedicated and idealistic
leadership be built up-it is my expectation.
Joi Bangla.
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BANGABANDHU SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMANÓ ‘ : THE ETERNAL MUJIB’
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Handout Number : 1127
Washington DC, 8 March :
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC, with the support of the
Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. State
Department organized a webinar yesterday to commemorate the
historic March 7 speech delivered by the Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The event was participated by
high government leadership, academia, diplomats, think tanks, media
and government officials from Bangladesh and the US.
After the welcome remarks by Bangladesh Ambassador to the US. M
Shahidul Islam, Professor Dr. Syed Anwar Husain delivered the
keynote address on Bangabandhu's life and
ideals attaching a particular focus to the 7th March speech.
Ambassador Tariq A. Karim, South Asia Analyst Seth Oldmixon and
Ambassador of the U.S. to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller were among the
panel speakers in the webinar. Acting Assistant Secretary of Bureau
of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State
Dean Thompson attended the webinar as the special guest and State
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, was the Chief
guest.
In his keynote address, Professor Dr. Syed Anwar Hossain said that
the 7th March speech was delivered impromptu as it was an unwritten
one. He added that this was the shortest and at the same time the
best speech, delivered in a colloquial language to reach across
everyone…The 7th March speech constituted a roadmap for
independence of Bangladesh, said Professor Hossain.
Ambassador Tariq A. Karim said that Bangabandhu was an
extraordinary orator, unparalleled in our living memories. He added
that Bangabandhu's 7 March 1971 speech was an impassioned appeal
for seeking his people's backing.
Renowned South Asia Analyst Seth Oldmixon commented that the
history of Bangladesh has parallels with American history as both
the countries fought anti-colonial independence movements and the
7th March speech is a culmination of incredible historical events
that led to the independence of Bangladesh.
Ambassador Earl Miller recalled Senator Edward Kennedy's speech on
February 14, 1972, at the University of Dhaka, attended by eight
thousand jubilant students of Dhaka University. Ambassador Earl
Miller quoted Edward Kennedy that the United States’ people were
with the people of Bangladesh during the War of Liberation,
although the government was not.
Dean Thompson said that Sheikh Mujib was a ‘towering figure of the
twentieth century’ who shaped modern Bangladesh. He added that the
historic speech inspired the people of Bangladesh to fight for
independence and continues to inspire the people of Bangladesh to
develop their country even further. Assistant Secretary Thompson
applauded the generosity of Bangladesh in protecting the forcibly
displaced Rohingyas and said that the USA is a steadfast partner of
Bangladesh in finding a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis. He
added, ‘one of the areas we are most excited to work on is
expanding our economic partnership. Bangladesh offers so many
opportunities in diverse areas, from renewable energy, port
infrastructure to artificial intelligence.’ He expressed confidence
that the US-Bangladesh relations will continue to strengthen under
the Biden Administration.
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Jubeir, Riyadh (8 March):
State Minister Md. Shahriar Alam holds bilateral talks with his
Saudi counterpart Adel Al-Jubeir at the latter’s Office in Riyadh
yesterday.
Saudi State Minister congratulated Bangladesh at its 50th
anniversary of independence. He highly praised the remarkable
sustained economic growth of Bangladesh carried out in last one
decade under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He continued, the recent UN decision to graduate Bangladesh from
LDC category to the middle-income country is a testimony of this
success. He fondly remembered the historic ties between this two
countries and the valued contribution of the Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to its independence and laying
foundation of Golden Bengal.
State Minister Shahriar Alam mentioned that under the visionary
leaderships of both the countries, the relations have elevated to a
strategic level. For advancing from this point, he emphasized on
exploring further avenues of cooperation on international issues
based on common interest and goals and economic ties.
Mr. Shahriar reiterated Bangladesh government’s unwavering support
to the Saudi side and expressed solidarity condemning the recent
cowardly attacks Houthis. Adel Al-Jubeir appreciated Bangladesh’s
position on Yemen issue.
Bangladesh State Minister stressed on regular Business to Business
dialogue to explore bilateral trade and investment opportunities in
Bangladesh. He urged on signing an MoU between Public-Private
Partnership Authority of Bangladesh and competent Saudi authority,
which would enable Saudi investors to invest in Bangladesh on PPP
projects. Saudi State Minister Adel Jubeir replied in positive
stressing on potential Saudi investors to invest in a vibrant
economy like Bangladesh and hoped they will soon sort out the MoU
issue regarding PPP.
On a proposal from the Bangladesh State Minister for joint venture
in contract farming in suitable African countries where Bangladesh
can provide its expertise in agriculture and manpower, Saudi State
Minister welcomed the proposal.
Shahriar Alam expressed his government’s deep gratitude to the
Saudi King and Crown Prince for allowing all the foreign residents
irrespective of their legal status for access to free COVID
treatment and inoculation, which has saved many lives of
expatriates including Bangladesh community living in the
Kingdom.
In reply to a request, State Minister Jubeir assured of considering
and interim arrangement for the irregular Bangladesh expatriates to
have access health facilities and employment. State Minister Alam
also requested to reappoint a cultural attache at the Saudi Embassy
in Dhaka, so the service seekers’ would not need to send their
documents to New Delhi for attestation and Saudi side took note of
that.
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Both the State Minister agreed to expedite the pending Agreements
and MoUs and to hold first Foreign Office Consultation where the
whole gamut of bilateral relationship could be discussed.
Early in the morning, State Minister Shahriar Alam laid a wreath at
the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman and attend a webinar to mark the historic 7th March. In the
evening, he attended another international webinar on ‘historic 7th
March speech by Bangabandhu focusing on historical and political
perspective’.
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Handout Number : 1068
President's Message on the occasion of the historic 7 March
Dhaka, 6 March:
President Md. Abdul Hamid has given the following message on the
occasion of the historic 7 March :
"The historic 7 March is a memorable day in the history of
Bangalee's liberation movement and independence. On this day in
1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
delivered an ageless speech in a thunderous voice on the then Race
Course Ground. The government has declared this day as the
'Historic 7 March Day' which is a landmark decision. On this day, I
remember with deep respect Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all time, under whose
unique leadership we achieved an independent-sovereign
Bangladesh.
Independence is the greatest achievement of Bangalees. However, it
has not been achieved in a single day. In the long rugged path from
the great language movement to the achievement of final victory in
1971, Bangabandhu's immense courage, boundless sacrifice,
courageous leadership and right guidance led the nation towards the
desired goal. Although Awami League bagged absolute majority in the
General Election of 1970, the Pakistani ruling party started
dilly-dallying the process of handing over power to the majority
party. Under the leadership of Bangabandhu, therefore, the
non-cooperation movement was started on 1st March. In continuation
of the agitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a
historic speech at the mammoth gathering at the Race Course Ground
by ignoring the blood curdling eyes of the then Pakistani ruler
which was the charter of independence of the Bengali nation. In
that effulgent speech, with his unique eloquence and political
wisdom, he united the emotions, dreams and aspirations of the
Bangalee's and declared in a thunderous voice, "The struggle this
time is the struggle for emancipation, the struggle this time is
the struggle for independence", which was, in fact, the call for
independence. In continuation of that historic speech, Bangabandhu
declared long-cherished Independence of the Bengali nation on March
26. Then we achieved our independent and sovereign Bangladesh
through a nine-month-long armed struggle.
Bangabandhu's speech on March 7, was one of the most celebrated
speeches in the world. That speech was a great efficacious message
to the freedom-seeking people to make them jump into battle
breaking the chains of subjugation. How an address can awaken the
whole nation, inspire them to leap into the war of liberation for
independence, the ‘historic 7 March Speech’ by Bangabandhu is its
unique example! UNESCO has recognized the ‘7 March Speech of
Bangabandhu’ as part of the 'World's Documentary Heritage' and
included it in the 'Memory of the World International Register' on
October 30 in 2017. This is our great achievement as Bangalees. The
world-renowned magazine Newsweek in its Issue on April 5 in 1971
termed Bangabandhu as the 'Poet of Politics' for this historic
address. The historic address of Bangabandhu on March 7 will be an
eternal source of inspiration not only for us but also for
freedom-loving people around the world.
Bangabandhu's lifetime dream was to turn the independent-sovereign
Bangladesh into a prosperous 'Golden Bangla'. We must continue our
efforts to fulfill that dream of our great leader. Hon'ble Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina has undertaken 'Vision-2021' and
'Vision-2041' to make Bangladesh a prosperous country by 2041. On
the eve of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden
jubilee of independence, I call upon all to contribute from their
respective positions irrespective of party affiliation in
implementing these programs.
Joi Bangla.
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Washington, 24 February, 2021:
Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, and United States Secretary
of State Antony Blinken have expressed their willingness to further
deepen Bangladesh-US relations by advancing common goals and mutual
interests. In a tele-conversation, held between the two in
Washington yesterday, the Foreign Minister and the Secretary of
State have agreed to work together to further strengthen bilateral
relations and enhance cooperation on global issues. At the
beginning of the discussion, US Secretary of State expressed his
regret that he could not physically meet Foreign Minister Dr. Momen
due to the COVID-19 health restrictions, and termed Bangladesh-US
relations as a ‘growing and deep’ one.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister congratulated the new US administration
for upholding the democratic process with a strong popular mandate,
assuming once again America’s global leadership role. He also
appreciated the new US Administration’s approach of handling the
COVID pandemic challenges. He stated that Bangladesh wants to
elevate her relations with the US from partnership to a strategic
level through maintaining a close and sustained contact with the US
leadership. In this regard, he emphasized on the exchange of visits
at the highest political levels between the two countries. In this
context, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister expressed hope that
President Biden would visit Bangladesh soon. He also invited
Secretary of State Blinken to visit Bangladesh to see the
socio-economic achievements and to join the celebration of the
Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden
Jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh. The Secretary of State
lauded Bangladesh’s “remarkable” economic performance, noted the
existing strong economic partnership between two countries and
stated that the US considers Bangladesh as a crucial economic and
security partner in Indo-Pacific region.
On tackling the COVID-19, the Foreign Minister briefed his
counterpart on Bangladesh Government’s effective handling of the
pandemic including the ongoing the vaccination program that have
reduced the number of infection and fatality on the one hand and
kept the economy running. He noted with satisfaction the excellent
cooperation between the two countries in tackling COVID 19, as
manifested through the US donation of high-quality ventilators and
Bangladesh’s supply of 6.5 million PPEs to the US in the initial
phase of the pandemic. The Foreign Minister said that Bangladeshis
ready to supply medical instruments, like syringes. The Secretary
of State appreciated Bangladesh’s remarkable success in handling
the COVID-19 pandemic situation and hoped that both the countries
would be able to find newer avenues for collaboration in the post
COVID-19 era by mutual support and co-operation.
Mentioning the recently held US-Bangladesh Economic Partnership
Consultation, Secretary Blinken said that the consultation had
created great opportunities to advance cooperation in health,
energy and business sectors. He sought favorable policy support
from Bangladesh Government to secure enabling business and
investment climate for promoting more trade and investment between
the two countries. The Foreign Minister welcomed US investment in
Special Economic zones and High-Tech Parks, underscoring
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the higher return of investment from Bangladesh as well as the good
connectivity. Both sides expressed their optimism that the US
companies would take advantage of the competitiveness of Bangladesh
and invest in the country in much greater volume particularly in
the areas of ICT, energy, pharmaceuticals and infrastructural
development. The Foreign Minister also requested the US Secretary
of State to consider providing assistance in water
management.
Both sides agreed to work together on the promotion of democracy,
good governance and human rights. The Bangladesh Foreign Minister
underscored the need for early deportation of Rashed Chowdhury, the
self-confessed killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in the
spirit of the shared values of establishing good governance, rule
of law and justice. The Bangladesh Foreign Minister said while his
government was working with the US Department of Justice on this
issue, support from the State Department on this important matter
will be greatly appreciated.
On Rohingya issue, Foreign Minister expresses his thanks and
gratitude to the US Government for its humanitarian and political
support to Bangladesh to cope with the Rohingya exodus. In this
regard, he emphasized that the US should take the lead and bring
international community together to put enough political pressure
on Myanmar to create condition for sustainable return of the
Rohingyas. Thanking the US Government for imposing sanctions on
some individuals, he encouraged the US government to take more
stringent measures like imposing economic sanction and withdrawing
GSP facilities of Myanmar. Foreign Minister Dr. Momenfurther
recommended that the US may appoint a Special Envoy on Rohingya, in
order to press Myanmar to create a conducive environment for the
repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. Secretary
Blinken appreciated Bangladesh for sheltering over one million
Rohingyas and showed his government’s full understanding of the
tremendous pressure it has created on the government and the people
of Bangladesh. Expressing concern on the disruption in the
democratic process in Myanmar, Secretary Blinken assured that the
US would continue its support for Bangladesh on Rohingya
issue.
Foreign Minister Dr. Momen welcomed the decision of the US to
return to the Paris Climate Agreement. Recalling his recent
discussion with US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, he also
hoped that the new US administration with their climate agenda
would be more actively engaged with climate vulnerable countries
including Bangladesh to address the threats and challenges posed by
impacts of climate change, including on issues like loss and
damage. He expressed optimism that the two sides would be able to
work closely on climate change before and during the upcoming
COP26.
#
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/ /////
Handout Number : 814
and International Mother Language Day
Dhaka, 20 February :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given the following Message on the
occasion of the great Martyrs' Day and International Mother
Language Day :
“On the occasion of the great Martyrs' Day and International Mother
Language Day, I extend my sincere greetings to the people of all
languages and cultures of the world, including Bangla. UNESCO has
been celebrating this day with due dignity since 2000 with
Bangladesh. Like every year, they have set a theme for this day-
‘Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society’,
which 1 think is very timely.
The importance of the language movement in the history of the
Bangali liberation struggle is immense. Through this movement, the
foundation for the inception of a non-communal, democratic,
language-based nation/state system was laid. On this day in 1952,
Abul Barkat, Abdul Jabbar, Abdus Salam, Rafiquddin Ahmad, Shafiur
Rahman and many others sacrificed their lives to protect the
dignity of our mother language Bangla. Today, I pay my deep
tributes to the memory of the martyrs of all languages, including
Bangla. I remember with the utmost respect all the language hero,
including the greatest Bangali of all time, Father of the Nation,
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the struggle for the
dignity of the Bangla language, whose visionary historical
decisions and supreme sacrifices have saved the existence of our
mother land and people.
The turbulent days of the language movement in the glorious
historical records of the Bangali from 1947 to 1952 have been
serving as a source of inspiration in our national life from time
and again. Behind every achievement in the protection of the
interests of the peace-loving people of this region lies the
history of blood-shedding struggle and the sacrifices of countless
lives. The Father of the Nation has been repeatedly imprisoned for
leading the language movement. At the Education Conference held in
Karachi on 27 November 1947, a recommendation was accepted to make
Urdu the state language of Pakistan. When the news reached Dhaka,
the students of Dhaka University immediately protested in front of
Khawaja Nazimuddin's residence. Shortly afterward, Sheikh Mujib, a
law student of Dhaka University, used his organizational experience
to play a very key role in the establishment of the Chhatra League
in Dhaka on 4 January 1948. In the first session of the Constituent
Assembly on 23 February, Dhirendra Nath Datta of Comilla moved an
amendment proposal demanding the inclusion of Bangla as the
language of the Assembly. Rejecting the proposal, Khawaja
Nazimuddin declared in the Legislative Assembly that the people of
East Bengal would accept Urdu as the state language. But to counter
the reckless decision of Nazimuddin, an all-party Chhatra Sangram
Parishad was formed on 2 March at Fazlul Haque Hall of Dhaka
University comprising Chhatra League, Tamaddun Majlish and other
parties. Many language heroes, including Sheikh Mujib, were
arrested in front of the Secretariat for leading the strike on 11
March and were released on 15 March. The day after their release,
on 16 March, the students again besieged the provincial council
building under the leadership of Sheikh Mujib, and many were
injured by police baton charges. On 21 March, Jinnah spoke out
boastfully against the Bangla language and in favor of Urdu at the
Dhaka Racecourse Ground. When Urdu was declared the state language
of Pakistan at the students' convocation on 24 March at Curzon
Hall, the students immediately protested.
To transform the language movement into a national campaign, Sheikh
Mujib organized a nationwide tour plan and participated in a
massive campaign, and addressed rallies. He was arrested from
Faridpur on 11 September and released on 21 January 1949. He was
arrested again on 19 April and released in July. He was arrested on
14 October 1949 and released on 27 February 1952. Undoubtedly,
Sheikh Mujib had been in touch with language heroes and Chhatra
League leaders from 1st January 1950, in Dhaka Central Jail and had
given various suggestions to add momentum to the movement. He sent
news through three messengers on 3 February, called for a
nationwide strike on 21 February, and marching around the meeting
venue of the executive council. That announcement was made after
the students' procession on 4 February. When Sheikh Mujib declared
a hunger strike at this stage, on 16 February the jail authorities
transferred him from Dhaka to Faridpur Jail.
Please Turn Over
-2-
The budget session of the East Bengal Executive Council was
scheduled for 21 February 1952. On the advice and instructions of
Sheikh Mujib, a general strike was called all over the country on
that day. To deal with the situation, the Muslim League government
had issued Section 144 for one month in Dhaka city from 20 February
and banned all kinds of meetings, rallies, processions etc.
Students gathered at Dhaka University violated Section 144 and when
the police fired indiscriminately, some lives were lost in the
blink of an eye, many were injured and many were arrested. Several
members of the provincial council walked out of the session room.
The next day, on 22 February, a spontaneous strike was observed in
Dhaka. The government called for the army, imposed curfew, and the
Bangla language resolution was passed in the provincial
assembly.
On 8 Mar