ZCZC
BSS-21
PM-AL-MEETING 2 LAST TUNGIPARA
Sheikh Hasina said the government has drawn up elaborate programmes to
celebrate the ‘Mujib Barsho’ nationally.
“Besides, other organisations and institutions will celebrate Bangabandhu’s
birth centenary in a befitting manner,” she said.
“We’ll celebrate Mujib Barsho from March 17, 2020 to March 17, 2021 and
we’ve already started its countdown … we’ll also celebrate the golden
jubilee of independence in 2021 with a huge enthusiasm,” she said.
“A huge enthusiasm prevails among all on the occasion of Mujib Barsho,” she
added.
Sheikh Hasina said the name of Father of the Nation was once wiped out by
assassinating him on August 15 in 1975. “But today none could erase his name
because he made struggle and suffered pain throughout his life for the people
of the country,” she said.
The prime minister said Bangladesh earned independence through 24 years
struggle and triumphing victory in the Liberation War under the leadership of
the Father of the Nation.
Paying tributes to Bangabandhu, the four national leaders, three million
martyrs and two lakh mothers and sisters, Sheikh Hasina said: “Our aim is to
make meaningful the independence which was earned due to their sacrifice.”
The prime minister said over 82 percent people lived under the poverty
level when Bangabandhu liberated the country. “But our Awami League
government has been able to bring down the (poverty) rate to 20.5 percent,”
she said.
Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation liberated the country to change the
lot of the exploited and deprived people and he also started the work to this
end.
“But we’re unfortunate that Bangladesh was deviated from that ideology and
spirit after the brutal killing of Bangabandhu,” she said.
The prime minister said the country started its journey towards
development again when the Awami League government assumed office after long
21 years. “It has been possible as we’re following the ideology of the Father
of the Nation,” she said.
Earlier, the newly-elected AL Central Working Committee and Advisory
Council led by party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich
tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
They paid the homage by placing wreaths at the mazar (shrine) of the Father
of the Nation here this afternoon.
Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina first laid a wreath at the
mazar of Bangabandhu.
After placing the wreath, she stood there in solemn silence for some time
as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, the architect of the country’s independence.
Later, Sheikh Hasina along with members of the AL Central Working Committee
and Advisory Council of the party placed another wreath at the mazar of
Bangabandhu, the greatest Bangalee of all times.
They offered Fateha and joined a munajat seeking eternal peace of the
departed soul of Bangabandhu. They also attended a milad mahfil there.
Prayers were also offered seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity
of the nation as well good health and long life of the prime minister.
Secretaries concerned and special assistants to the prime minister were
present on the occasion.
Earlier, the prime minister arrived around 11 am in Tungipara, the
ancestral home of the Father of the Nation, by an Air Force helicopter.
After the arrival at Tungipara Upazila Complex ground, she straight went to
the mazar of Bangabandhu and recited holy Quran and offered Fateha there.
It was Sheikh Hasina’s first visit to Tungipara after being reelected as
the president of Bangladesh Awami League, one of the oldest political parties
in the subcontinent.
Sheikh Hasina was reelected as the AL president for the ninth consecutive
term, while Obaidul Quader was reelected as the general secretary for the
second straight time in the party’s 21st National Council held on December
20-21 last.
BSS/SH/RY/1915 hrs