Observance of the 90th Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children Day 2010
Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra | Press Release (22 March 2010)
Observance of the 90th Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children Day-2010
Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra organised a programme to celebrate the 90th Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children Day 2010 at the conference room of the Mission.
The programme began with a discussion meeting on the significance of the day where many expatriate Bangladeshis living in Canberra as well as officials of the Mission participated. In the discussion meeting, the speakers highlighted the contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu in the war of the liberation through which Bangladesh came into being in 1971 as a sovereign nation. In the meeting, speakers also praised the statesmanship of Bangabandhu for his dedication for the development and well being of the country and its people. It was a very tragic event for Bangladesh on 15 August 1975 when the perpetrators brutally assassinated the Great Leader along with members of his family. This was a great loss for the country. The speakers also expressed their satisfaction on the execution of the verdict of the death sentences to the killers of Bangabandhu.
In the discussion Advocate Jahirul Islam of Bangladesh Supreme Court, former Member of Gano Parishad and a member of Constitution Committee as well as a close acquaintance of Bangabandhu shared his experiences working with this Great Leader. He mentioned, among other experiences, about the contributions of the Father of the Nation in getting recognition at the UN and attending Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers of OIC both in 1974 as well as subsequent diplomatic initiatives to get recognition of many countries of the world. Mr. Kamrul Ahsan Khan-Convenor of Bangladesh Environment Netwrok-Australia Chapter took part in the discussion as well who pointed out that all Bangladeshis living in home and abroad should unitedly work for the peace and development of the country following the ideals of the Father of the Nation. Dr. Ezaz Al Mamun-a Bangladeshi Australian living in Canberra highlighted the early life of Bangabandhu while Dr. Kamal Uddin (another Bangladeshi Australian in Canberra) highlighted Bangabandhu’s enormous contributions as the leader of the Liberation War which culminated to an independent State of Bangladesh. As the representative of Bangladesh Australia Association Canberra Inc Dr. Shahriar Wahab, Treasurer of the Association took part in the discussion and he emphasised that true love and respect to this Great Leader would be shown if we could implement his ideas and visions. H.E. the High Commissioner Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury in his concluding speech highlighted the extraordinary leadership capability of Bangbandhu as he could galvanise the entire nation for freedom during the war of the liberation. He also pointed out that we all should follow the qualities of this visionary leader in every sphere of our lives for further progress and prosperity of Bangladesh.
Later a poem on Bangabandhu was recited by Ms. Shapna Shahnaj and a kid presented a short poem in the segment of the children activities. At the end of the programme a video titled “Bangabandhu Forever in Our Heart” -a documentary on his life was screened.
On the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation an Art and Painting Competition was organised by the High Commission on Sunday, 21 March 2010 at 4 pm. A number of children took part in the competition. Later Mrs. Jasmin Masud, wife of H.E. the High Commissioner distributed prizes to the winners in the art/painting competition.
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