RANGPUR, Dec 16, 2022 (BSS) - State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has called upon everyone to unite under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to build a developed country.
 
"The Great Victory Day is a symbol of our self-esteem and sovereignty. The united Bengali nation achieved independence under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," he said.
 
The state minister made the observation today while virtually addressing a discussion organised by Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) in celebration of the Great Victory Day-2022 as the chief guest.
 
Vice-chancellor of the university Professor Dr. Md. Hasibur Rashid presided over the discussion.
 
The state minister said the defeated anti-independence cliques of 1971 are still conspiring to destabilize the country even after 51 years of victory.
 
"In order to advance Bangladesh to the desired goal in the spirit of the Great War of Liberation, the anti-national forces must be eliminated for ensuring the overall liberation and progress of the country," he added.
 
In his speech, Professor Rashid said the Great Victory Day is a unique and glorious day in the history of the Bengali nation.
 
On this day in 1971, the final victory was achieved by the surrender of Pakistani forces after months of bloody war.
 
"Under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the best Bengali of thousand years, and in return for the sacrifice of three million martyrs, we got independent and sovereign Bangladesh," he said.
 
Pro Vice-chancellor of the university Professor Dr. Sharifa Salowa Dina and Treasurer Professor Dr. Mojib Uddin Ahamed spoke as special guests.
 
Associate Professor of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems Apel Mahmud moderated the function.
 
Among others, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr. Abu Saleh Mohammad Wadudur Rahman, Convener of BRUR Great Victory Day-2022 Celebration Committee Professor Kamlesh Chandra Roy, Associate Professor of the Department of Bengali Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Teachers' Association General Secretary Syed Anwarul Azim, Assistant Professor of the Department of Sociology Muhammad Anwar Hossain spoke.
 
Earlier, the vice-chancellor hoisted the national flag amidst rendering the national anthem at 9 am on the campus to celebrate the day with due dignity.
 
The vice-chancellor led the colourful 'Bijoy Rally' from the university and the rally paraded the adjoining streets and Parker Mour Intersection before returning to the campus.
 
Later, the vice-chancellor with Pro Vice-chancellor and Treasurer Professor Dr. Mojib Uddin Ahamed paid rich tribute to martyrs of the Great War of Liberation by placing wreaths at the Independence Memorial on the campus.
 
On the occasion, VC Professor Dr. Md. Hasibur Rashid also placed wreaths at the Bangabandhu's mural paying rich tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
 
Subsequently, Deans of different faculties, Heads of different departments, officials, Provosts of different residential halls of the university paid tributes there.
 
Besides, different sociocultural organisations of the university, its Teachers; Association, Officers' Association, Employees' Union, Journalists' Association, Chhatra League paid tributes.