DHAKA, Aug 17, 2023 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and 
Exporters Association (BGMEA) today organized a discussion and a special 
prayer in observance of the 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the 
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the national mourning day.

Md Atiqul Islam, Mayor, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) attended the 
program as the chief guest. 

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan chaired the event held today at BGMEA Complex 
in Uttara. 

The program was attended by BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, 
Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul 
Islam, Vice President Md Nasir Uddin, Vice President Miran Ali, and Vice 
President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Directors Haroon Ar Rashid, Md Imranur 
Rahman and A M Shafiul Karim (Khokon), chairmen of different standing 
committees, members and officials of BGMEA, said a press release.

The program began with the display of a video on the life and works of 
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In their addresses to the discussion, the 
speakers remembered Bangabandhu with deep love and respect. 

They recalled the memories of Bangabandhu and his struggles and immense 
sacrifice for the cause of Bangladesh's independence and its people. 

In his address as the chief guest, DNCC Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said, "Over 
time, the Sens, Pals, Mughals, English, Pakistanis came to this country. They 
exploited this country, but no one gave freedom. The Father of the Nation, 
the son of Tungipara, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave us the freedom. 
And we are such an unfortunate nation that the Father of our Nation was 
killed,"

He said the Father of the Nation dreamed of economic emancipation. "Our task 
will be to turn grief into strength and contribute to the development of 
Bangladesh by achieving the target of $100 billion exports by 2030." 

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, "If Bangabandhu was not born, Bangladesh 
would not have been born. Bangabandhu was a great leader who not only dreamed 
of independence but also dedicated his life and struggled day after day to 
bring freedom to people, and to give an independent sovereign state." 

He said the assassins managed to kill the person Mujib, but Bangabandhu's 
dreams and ideals continue to inspire the Bengali nation to move forward. 

"Under the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister 
Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu's dream of Sonar Bangla is becoming a reality 
today. The readymade garment industry has made immense contribution to this 
achievement." He added.

The BGMEA President also called upon everyone to turn the grief of the loss 
of the Father of the Nation into strength and dedicate themselves to the 
building of the nation. 

First Vice President of BGMEA Syed Nazrul Islam delivered the welcome speech 
at the program. Former BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Mohammed Nasir and 
general members also spoke at the event.

After the discussion, a prayer was offered seeking forgiveness and peace of 
Bangabandhu and his family members.