Despite the great power rivalry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with his visionary leadership navigated the country’s international relations in a direction that still works as a guiding principle for Bangladesh, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday.
He was addressing a webinar on “Bangabandhu and Bangladesh: An Epic Nation’s Emergence and Emancipation”, organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) as the chief guest.
He said Bangabandhu has played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s journey for autonomy and independence.
“In leading Bangladesh towards an independent nation, Bangabandhu nourished the innate Bengali nationalism through this own political struggle against the oppressive state of Pakistan.”
The primary goals of Bangabandhu’s foreign policy were to be in a big league of friendly countries, attain recognition for the newly independent country and ensure membership of international organisations, the minister observed.
Addressing the discussion as the special guest, State Minister for Planning Dr Samsul Alam noted that Bangabandhu not only acted for the nation’s emergence and emancipation but also provided post-emergence invaluable guidelines for its people to materialize his long-cherished dream of building a Sonar Bangla.
“In all aspects or fields of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu has left his marks. His contributions before and after the independence of Bangladesh, all remain equally noble and important” he said.
Mr Alam noted that typical of his visionary leadership, Bangabandhu established more institutions aimed at progress for Bangladesh, thus preparing the basis for a developed future for his country’s people.
Ambassador M. Fazlul Karim, Chairman, BIISS Chaired the webinar, while Major General Md. Emdad Ul Bari, Director General, BIISS delivered the Welcome Remarks.
Dr Syed Anwar Husain, Bangabandhu Chair Professor, Bangladesh University of Professionals and Dr Atiur Rahman, Bangabandhu Chair Professor, University of Dhaka presented papers in the webinar.
In his Welcome Remarks Major General Md. Emdad Ul Bari, Director General, BIISS noted that the Saga of Bangladesh is an inevitable part of the story of a man named Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who loved his people, who sacrificed his life for a country, the country he named ‘Bangladesh’.
“Bangabandhu might have disappeared physically but his sacrifice for this nation and aspirations towards a Golden Bengal will live forever and inspire our generations who are working relentlessly and collectively to realize the dream of Golden Bengal, defying all odds”.
Ambassador M. Fazlul Karim, Chairman, BIISS said, Bangabandhu’s visions and ideas have been encompassing Bangladesh towards materializing his visionary ideas. Bangabandhu’s belief in emancipation and social justice for the downtrodden live today is an exemplary motivation for generations to come.
“In fact, very few people in history can be credited with accomplishing what Bangabandhu has accomplished, marked a new country on the world map, established his life-long dream of independent Bangladesh”.
In the webinar, the foreign minister launched a book published by BIISS on Bangabandhu titled “Bangabandhu and Bangladesh: An Epic of a Nation’s Emergence and Emancipation”.
There was an open discussion session in the webinar, participated by ambassadors and high commissioners, senior civil and military officials, media, academia, think tanks, business personalities, and teachers from different universities.
