President Mohammed Shahabuddin and prime minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War on Saturday (Dec 16) by placing wreaths separately at the National Memorial at Savar, on the outskirts of Bangladesh capital Dhaka marking the 53rd Victory Day. The head of the state laid the wreath at the altar of the National Memorial with the rise of the sun at about 6:33 am. After the president, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed a wreath there. After placing the wreath, the president and the PM stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the country’s War of Liberation in 1971 as the bugle played the last post.   Flanked by senior leaders of her party, Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League President, laid another wreath at the National Memorial as the party chief.   Speaker of the parliament, chief justice, ministers, chiefs of the three services, members of parliament, freedom fighters, diplomats, representatives of different development partners and high civil and military officials, among others, were present. On December 16 in 1971, Bangladesh was born as an independent country under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all times, in exchange for the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honour of two lakh women.

The supreme sacrifice of the language heroes on this day, 70 years back, is being remembered as people are paying glowing tributes to 1952 language martyrs by placing wreaths at the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar at midnight tonight maintaining health guidelines.   On behalf of the President and the Prime Minister, President's Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam and Prime Minister's Military Secretary Major General Naquib Ahmed Chowdhury placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past zero hours.   The immortal song on Amar Ekushey--"Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February"- was playing on the loudspeaker on the occasion.   Later, sergeant-at-arms on behalf of Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Awami League Presidium Member Matia Chowdhury, Nurul Islam Nahid, Shajahan Khan and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram on behalf of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu on behalf of Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begun Rowshan Ershad placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar.   Among others, AL Joint-General Secretary Dr. Dipu Moni and Dr. Hassan Mahmud, Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, Secretary of Forestry and Environmental Affairs Delwar Hossain and Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan also paid homage to the language movement martyrs.   Chiefs of three services, ambassadors, high Commissioners, chief of deferent international organizations, attorney general, diplomats, freedom fighters and high civil and military officials also placed wreathes on the occasion.   People representing different political and other organisations then thronged the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar to offer their floral tributes maintaining health guidelines.   Later, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, Dhaka University Teachers' Association, war-wounded freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War, different political parties and socio-cultural organisations paid their homage.   Later on, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public when hundreds of people from all walks of life walked barefoot to it with flowers in hands and humming "Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February" to recall the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes on this day in 1952.  The day is also being observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the February 21 as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.   The government took extensive programmes to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' and the International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner.   President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages paying rice tributes to those who embraced martyrdom on the day.   Tight security was enforced around the main altar of the Shaheed Minar, its adjoining areas and Azimpur graveyard of the language martyrs.   Different political-social-cultural-professional organisations, including the ruling Awami League, also have taken various programmes such as seminars and cultural functions, to observe the Amar (immortal) Ekushey and International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner.   The Cultural Affairs Ministry has drawn up an elaborate programme to observe the 'Shaheed Dibash' (Language Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day-2021 with solemn dignity.   Bangabandhu's special contribution to the language movement will be presented in various programmes on Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day in line with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.   National flags will be kept half-mast in a proper manner having accurate size at all the government, semi-government, autonomous and private organisations and educational institutions.   In line with the national programmes, all educational institutions, local government bodies, district and upazila administration, Bangladeshi missions abroad will take proper measures considering the COVID-19 situation to observe the day.   To mark the day, national and party flags will be kept half-mast and black flags will be hoisted atop at the AL's Bangabandhu Avenue central office and Bangabandhu Bhaban and other offices of the AL across the country at 6:30 am on Sunday.   Other programmes include wearing of black badges at 7am and later bringing out Provat Feri from south gate of New Market as a mark of respect to the Language Movement martyrs.    Considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation and following the proper hygiene rules, a maximum of 5 delegates from each organization and a maximum of 2 persons at the individual level are laying wreaths at the Shaheed Minar.   Basin and liquid soaps will be provided for hand washing purpose at all entrances of Shaheed Minar.   No one will be allowed to enter the Shaheed Minar premises without wearing a mask.   Key city points and crossings and intersections were decorated with festoons with inscription of Bangla letters. Source: BSS AH

A high-level symposium was organised to commemorate the 20th death anniversary of Afghanistan’s guerrilla commander Ahmed Shah Massoud in Rome, Italy. The event was organised on Friday by the Embassy of Afghanistan in Rome, in collaboration with several other groups. The event titled “Afghanistan, Taliban and the Future” was attended by several people including Yara Ehm, Member of the Italian Parliament and Commission on Foreign Affairs, Gabriela Colarusso, La Repubblica’s foreign affairs correspondent, Gaja Pellegrini, Margherita Stancati from the Wall Street Journal and other representatives of the international and local media. The Diplomatic Missions of Ireland and the Czech Republic were represented by their Deputy Heads of Mission. Khalid Zekriya, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Italy spoke about the need for the International community to recognise that Afghanistan today is in the hands of a government of rebels who did not represent the Afghan hopes and dreams which were sown by the blood of “martyrs like Ahmad Shah Massoud.” “Massoud’s sacrifice was important because it laid the basis for the modern state of Afghanistan; something that Pakistan backed Taliban government will try and destroy in the days to come. Afghans, however, are resilient people and the scenes today of women protesting will be more common in the coming days and months,” said Khalid Zekriya. Honouring the sacrifice of the Italian soldiers he also remembers that thousands of Afghan soldiers have laid down their lives for defending their homeland. Khalid Zekriya said, “The narrative that the Afghan defence forces just collapsed was a terrible propaganda, as since 2012 most of the fighting was being done by Afghan soldiers.” Zakariya even mentioned that there is more to what meets the eye. Without direct orders from above, the Afghan defence forces would not have folded, he added. Laura Harth, the human rights activist, spoke of the importance of a global alliance to protect freedom and democracy. She recounted their recent battles to assist democracy in Hong Kong against Chinese oppression and feared that the violence would be much more in Afghanistan against women, journalists and minorities. Emilio Ciarlo of the Italian Agency for cooperation and development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke of the need for national building. He underlined the risks of an unstable Afghanistan for the world. “The failure of the West to assist democracy will reverberate in the Balkans as well as North Africa and will be a danger to Europe, with the increase in the flow of narcotics as well as weapons.” Fausto Biloslavo, a veteran journalist, who just returned from Panjshir to Kabul joined virtually. He underlined the suspension of rights of journalists and the fear of the local population currently. Biloslavo stated that the people are gathering to vent out their disaffection with the Taliban and their morale is high and the resistance will expand its support and reach. “It was all like a castle of sand which collapsed in a few days,” said FawziaKoofi, Parliamentarian in the previous government, describing the fall of Kabul. She requested the world community to support the rights and freedom for women and children. Ahmed Wali Massoud, the brother of the slain leader 20 years ago, who joined virtually summarised the evening, paying tribute to his brother and his vision for Afghanistan. He stated that it is important that the world carefully follow the alleged Pakistani involvement in the country as this will only lead to further destabilization. Afghanistan needs to be inclusive and a country for all, beyond ethnic and religious lines. Source: ANI

The nation is observing the historic March 7 commemorating the landmark speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which was touted as indirect declaration of the country’s independence in 1971. Different socio-cultural and political organizations, student and professional bodies chalked out elaborate programs including laying wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu and holding discussions and rallies to mark the day. The ruling Awami League hoisted national and party flags atop the Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices on the occasion. Party leaders and workers placed wreaths at Bangabandhu’s portrait on the Bangabandhu Bhaban premises at Dhanmondi this morning. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city this morning on the occasion of the historic March 7. After laying the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for sometime as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of the independence. Flanked by central leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League (AL), placed another wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation on behalf of her party. AL Advisory Council member Amir Hossain Amu, Presidium members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Advocate Sahara Khatun, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Faruk Khan, Dr Md Abdur Razzaque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Shahjahan Khan, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Organizing Secretaries Ahmed Hossain, Mirza Azam and Afjal Hossain and Cultural Affairs Secretary Asim Kumar Ukil were present on the occasion, among others. Later, the leaders and workers of Awami League’s associate bodies, including Awami Jubo League, Chhatra League, Mahila Awami League, Sramik League, Krishak League, Jubo Mohila League and Swechchhasebok League, also paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait on the occasion. Besides, Bangabandhu Parishad, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Muktijoddha Kendrio Command Council, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Bangladesh Tanti League, Bangabandhu Soinik League, Sheikh Russel Shishu Sangha, Awami Sangskritik Forum, Dhaka Bar Association and Muktijoddha Sanghati Parishad also paid homage to Bangabandhu. Awami League and associated bodies also arranged rallies highlighting the significance of the day in all wards, unions, pourasabhas, upazilas and districts as the Bangabandhu’s March 7 speech is being played with loud speaker. The Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations are broadcasting special programs while national dailies brought out special supplements marking the auspicious occasion. The landmark speech inspired the Bangalees to prepare for a war of independence. The Liberation War began 18 days later, when the Pakistan Army launched “Operation Searchlight” against unarmed Bangalee civilians, intellectuals, students, politicians and armed personnel. On October 30 in 2017, the UNESCO recognized the historic speech as a part of the world’s documentary heritage. It has been included in the Memory of the World International Register, a list of world’s important documentary heritage maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Source: BSS AH

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial marking the 49th Victory Day. After placing the wreaths, the President and the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the War of Liberation in 1971. A smartly turned out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force presented a state salute on the occasion when bugles played the last post. Flanked by senior leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League, laid another wreath at the National Memorial as the party chief. The nation is celebrating its 49th Victory Day, marking the most precious day when Bangladesh was liberated from Pakistani occupation after a nine-month war through the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honor of 2, 00,000 women. Bangladesh was born as an independent country on this day under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Source: UNB AH

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday paid rich tributes to the martyred intellectuals on the occasion of the Martyred Intellectuals Day. First the President and then the Prime Minister placed wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur. After placing the wreath, both stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the illustrious sons of the soil. A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave a state salute while the bugle played the last post at that time. Later, the President talked to the war-wounded freedom fighters and the family members of the martyred intellectuals and enquired about their wellbeing. Flanked by central leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League, placed another wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial as the party chief. The Prime Minister later went to Dhanmondi in the capital and placed a wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day. After placing the wreath, she stood there for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of the country’s independence. Flanked by central leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina laid another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu as the party chief. On this night in 1971, Bangalee intellectuals, including professors, journalists, doctors, artistes, engineers and writers, were picked up in Dhaka by the Pakistani occupation forces in collusion with their local collaborators. The intellectuals were taken to torture cells in Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Nakhalpara, Rajarbagh and other locations in different parts of the city and later executed en masse at different killing grounds, most notably Rayerbazar and Mirpur. Since then, the day is being observed as the Martyred Intellectuals Day. Source: UNB AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to one of the political luminaries of the country and Bangladesh National Awami Party-NAP (Muzaffar) President Professor Muzaffar Ahmed. The Prime Minister paid the homage by placing a wreath on his coffin draped with the red-green national flag at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital on Saturday morning. Reports BSS. After laying the wreath, the premier stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Prof Muzaffar, also a member of the advisory council of the Mujibnagar government that led Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971. Flanked by senior leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League (AL) president, placed another wreath on the coffin of Prof Muzaffar on behalf of her party. AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, joint secretaries Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, organizing secretary Enamul Haque Shameem, information and research secretary Advocate Afzal Hussain, office secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap and other central leaders of the party were present on the occasion. Later, Jatiya Sangsad speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury placed a wreath on the coffin of the veteran politician. Earlier, a wreath was placed on the coffin of Prof Muzaffar on behalf of President M Abdul Hamid. A munajat was offered on the occasion, seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Prof Muzaffar. The Prime Minister, the Speaker, ministers, parliament members and leaders of different political parties joined the munajat. Earlier, the first namaz-e-janaza of the NAP president was held at South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 11 am. Prof Muzaffar, who was the NAP president for over five decades, breathed his last around 8 pm on Friday in the city’s Apollo Hospitals. AH

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the 99th birth anniversary of the great leader. The President and the Prime Minister paid their homage by placing wreaths at the mazar (mausoleum) of Bangabandhu at Tungipara in Gopalganj. Reports UNB. President Abdul Hamid first laid a wreath at the mazar of Bangabandhu followed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After placing the wreaths, they stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the Father of the Nation as the bugle played the last post. A smartly turned out contingent drawn from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force gave a guard of honor on the occasion. Abdul Hamid and Sheikh Hasina offered fateha and joined a munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu as well as other martyrs of the August 15 carnage. Later, the President signed the visitor's book kept on the mazar premises. Earlier on his arrival at the mazar premises, President Abdul Hamid was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, AL Presidium Member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Abul Hasnat Abdullah, MP and Sheikh Helaluddin, MP. Flanked by senior leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, placed another wreath at the mazar of Bangabandhu on behalf of AL. The Prime Minister flew to Tungipara after placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32. The birthday of Bangabandhu is being observed across the country as the National Children's Day. It is also a public holiday. AH

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday paid rich homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of her party’s absolute majority in 11th parliamentary elections held on Sunday. The premier paid the tribute by placing floral wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the city’s Dhanmondi in the morning. Later, Sheikh Hasina stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of independence. Flanked by senior Awami League leaders, Sheikh Hasina placed another wreath at Bangabandhu’s portrait as the party chief. In the national polls, AL won 259 seats out of 299 across the country. MHK

Thousands of people have thronged into the national mausoleum to pay tributes to the martyrs of liberation war. People from all walks of life including school children have attended to pay homage to the martyrs. Somebody is paying respects barefooted with tears in their eyes. The programs of victory day began with paying tributes by President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at 6:40 am on Sunday. After paying tributes by them Chief Justice, Chief Election Commissioner, cabinet members and military and civil officers paid their rich tributes to the national mausoleum. After paying tributes by them the mausoleum was made open for all. People irrespective of casts, religions and ages gathered on the dais of the mausoleum to pay their homage. Different social and cultural activists also took part. Disabled people came there on wheel chairs or crutches. Dais of the mausoleum filled up with flowers offered by diplomats, politicians, artists-intellectuals, freedom fighters, professionals, workers and students. Saiful Islam, a student of Daffodil University came there to pay tributes. He said, I always try to pay respect to the martyrs. But on this special day I cannot sit in my home. I feel proud to pay tributes with thousands of people. Dhaka University student Tamanna Farukh said, I am lost in the past to offer my tributes here. Liberation war is in my imagination, the blood of sacrifice and the history all are running with that. AH