ZCZC
BSS-32
MARINO-REMAINS-ARRIVAL
Mortal remains of Father Marino arrives tomorrow
DHAKA, Oct 20, 2018 (BSS) – Mortal remains of Italian-born Bangladesh’s honorary citizen and freedom fighter Father Marino Rigon will arrive here tomorrow from Italy, a year after his demise.
Father Rigon, who was given honorary citizenship in 2009 and honored with ‘Friends of Liberation War Honour’ in 2012, breathed his last in Italy on October 20, 2017, said a Foreign Ministry press release here today.
The government of Bangladesh has taken all necessary steps to bury him with due state honor beside the Saint Pauls Church at Shelabunia in Mongla upazila of Bagerhat district showing respect to his last wish, the release added.
Born on February 5, 1925 at Villaverla in Italy, Rigon came to Bangladesh in 1953. After his extensive visits to Bangladesh villages, he established a church and a school at Shelabunia village of Mongla and started living there permanently.
Rigon took part in the Liberation War of Bangladesh by sheltering and taking care of the injured freedom fighters during the war in 1971.
Since he started living in Bangladesh permanently, Rigon learnt Banlga language and he had an intimate love with Bangla literature. He was attracted by works of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and Lalon Shah’s songs.
About 40 poetry books, including Rabindranath’s Geetanjali, Jasim Uddin’s Nakshikanthar Math and mystic poet Lalon Shah’ songs, were translated in Italian language by him.
“Bangladesh has set another shining example by upholding the pride of all freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the War of Liberation by fulfilling the last wish of a true friend of Bangladesh,” said the press release.
BSS/PR/SAH/KU/2048 HRS