The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo commemorated the historic 7th March Speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a befitting manner.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tareq Mohammed Ariful Islam inaugurated the observance by hoisting the National Flag of Bangladesh at the High Commission premises on Sunday. Subsequently, a floral wreath was placed at the portrait of the Father of the Nation and a minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the late leader.
A special prayer for the Father of the Nation and for the continued peace, harmony and prosperity of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was conducted in the presence of the officials of the High Commission.
As part of the commemoration of the day, the Mission hosted a Webinar presided over by the High Commissioner. It started with the reading out of messages on the occasion given by the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. A documentary on the historic 7th March Speech was also screened.
Speaking to the Daily News, High Commissioner Islam said that his nation paid a fitting tribute to this late leader who fought for the country’s independence successfully and finally sacrificed his life to brutal hands in his own mansion. “We are happy his daughter follows his footsteps to make a Golden Bangla and we are positive we are on the right road to achieve the late leader’s goal for a ‘Sonar Bangla’”.
During a virtual commemorative meeting on Sunday, eminent Sri Lankan scholar and Professor Emeritus of Colombo University Jaya Deva Uyangoda delivered the keynote speech. Among others, a young representative from Sri Lanka Ms. Sayuri Jayawardena and expatriate Bangladeshi Farzana Hoq spoke at the discussion segment.
The speakers shared their perspectives on the historic 7th March Speech and recognized it as the key to Bangladesh’s independence. They recommended to include the speech in international curriculum for study and research purposes. The speakers also dwell on the work and political life of Bangabandhu and recalled his singular contribution to the nation-hood of Bangladesh. In his closing remarks, High Commissioner Tareq Islam is hopeful of a achieving a Sonar Bangla as envisaged by the Father of the Nation towards the progress and prosperous of Bangladesh. He also analyzed some important aspects of the historic 7th March Speech.
A good number of Sri Lankan dignitaries and expatriate Bangladeshi nationals joined the Webinar. The Webinar was live-streamed on the High Commission’s Facebook page which was watched by a significant number of people in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.