বাংলাদেশের ১০০টি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ও কলেজে বঙ্গবন্ধু এবং স্বাধীনতা সংগ্রামের বই উপহার বিষয়ক ওয়েবিনারে ভারতীয় হাই কমিশনার শ্রীমতী রীভা গাঙ্গুলি দাসের বক্তব্য বিবৃতি ও বক্তৃতা

বাংলাদেশের ১০০টি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ও কলেজে বঙ্গবন্ধু এবং স্বাধীনতা সংগ্রামের বই উপহার বিষয়ক ওয়েবিনারে ভারতীয় হাই কমিশনার শ্রীমতী রীভা গাঙ্গুলি দাসের বক্তব্য

Remarks by High Commissioner of India H.E Ms. Riva Ganguly Das at Webinar on Presentation of Books on Bangabandhu and Freedom Movement to 100 Universities and Colleges of Bangladesh
(31 August, 2020)

Good Morning,

          I am delighted to welcome all of you to the book gifting ceremony.  I am particularly thankful to His Excellency Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, Deputy Minister for Education for joining us today.  As you just heard from my colleague, this event has been organized to pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of Mujib Basho. Unfortunately, because of the COVID pandemic, the Mujib Barsho events had to be reorganized.  This initiative through which we are gifting books on Bangabandhu to 100 colleges and universities in Bangladesh includes institutes which provide technical education, also institutes providing education in social sciences.

2. Friends, when Bangladesh celebrates Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s life, India also takes pride in staking a claim on Bangabandhu - he belongs to us too and we are privileged to be close neighbour of Bangladesh. You all know that Bangabandhu is revered as much by people of India as by people of Bangladesh. My earliest memory of Bangabandhu is listening to his amazing speeches on All-India Radio when I was a little girl. I remember the electrifying effect his speeches had at home and specially on my grandfather, though I was too young to really understand the importance of what was going on in our neighbourhood.  It is, therefore, very humbling experience to participate in this event as Indian High Commissioner.

3. Friends, Bangabandhu is the architect of the modern Bangladesh. He was one of the most influential and courageous leaders of the 20th century.  He championed the cause of democracy, secularism and social justice throughout his life.  His sacrifice for Bangladesh continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of people all over the world. He fought to bring smiles on the faces of Bangladeshi people and to build a Golden Bengal - ‘Sonar Bangla’.  Today, under the able-leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, his daughter, Bangladesh is marching ahead to realize Bangabandhu’s dream of Sonar Bangla. As a close neighbour and friend, we feel extremely proud of Bangladesh’s many achievements, particularly in economic and social sector. The history of our two countries is intertwined.  As we reflect back on Bangabandhu’s legacy, we can say that he was the architect of India-Bangladesh relations as well.   We are privileged to be a partner as Bangladesh marches ahead to realize Bangabandhu’s dream. 

4. When the people of Bangladesh were suffering immense hardship and sacrifice and fought for the freedom of this country, it was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman whose powerful message kept the hope amongst his people alive and proved to be inspirational throughout the Liberation War. India has stood firmly by Bangladesh since 1971 and will remain so in future.

5. I hope the books we are gifting today on the Liberation War of Bangladesh and Bangabandhu will allow the students to understand the great leader of the 20th century. Students of the colleges and universities receiving these books will no doubt be able to get an understanding of their leader about whom they already know from electronic media, print media and various other literatures.  I am sure, you will have a better appreciation of Bangabandhu’s thought process, his dedication to his ideals, his convictions and you will fully understand what makes Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ‘Bangabandhu’.  

Thank you for joining today’s event.

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