Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has observed the National Mourning Day and 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due respect and solemnity.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Md. Mostafizur Rahman hoisted the national flag at half-mast on the embassy premises in the morning and started the day-long programme by placing wreaths on the portrait of the Father of the Nation, reports UNB.
A discussion was organised in the morning to mark the day. At the beginning, a minute's silence was observed to pay respect to Bangabandhu and his family members.
Speeches given by the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs were read out on the occasion.
Brigadier General Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Defence Adviser of the Mission, also spoke on the occasion.
A documentary on Bangabandhu was screened and an open discussion was held on the life and work of the Father of the Nation, said the High Commission on Wednesday.
Mostafizur Rahman respectfully recalled Bangabandhu's farsighted leadership and all struggles that took place on the way to the establishment of independent-sovereign Bangladesh.
He said that Bangabandhu unearthed nationalism among a thousand-year-old ethnic group and united them and transformed an exploited nation into an independent nation through a long struggle.
A special discussion programme titled 'Bangabandhu: Pioneer of Human Rights and Freedom' was organised in the evening.
At the beginning, High Commissioner Rahman gave an opening speech by highlighting the working life of Bangabandhu.
Professor Sanjay Bharadwaj of Jawaharlal Nehru University presented the keynote speech on the occasion.
Pankaj Sharan, the former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, who participated as a special negotiator, said, "The viable socio-economic development of Bangladesh today bears the testimony that Bangabandhu's political decision was correct in realizing the rights of the common people."
Smita Pant, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, said, "Bangabandhu laid the foundation of Bangladesh-India relations, and a 'golden chapter' of bilateral relations has started on that basis."
On the occasion of the day, a special exhibition was also organised with some notable photographs of Bangabandhu's eventful life.
Special prayer was offered for the souls of Bangabandhu and his martyred family members.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
