Bangabandhu eternal inspiration for freedom-seeking people: President

President Mohammed Shahabuddin said Bangabandhu will remain an eternal source of inspiration not only for millions of Bangalees in this country, but also for freedom-seeking people of the world.

"Bangabandhu is no longer with us . . . but his principles and ideals will always inspire the freedom-seeking people to attain their rights and the mass awakening against exploitation and oppression around the world," he told in a message on the occasion of the 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day.

Paying deep homage to all the martyrs and praying for the eternal peace of the departed souls, the President said Bangabandhu, who led the nation at every democratic and freedom movements, was a visionary leader of the Bengali Nation and the architect of our Independence.

"On the15th August in 1975, the undisputed leader and the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with his most of the family members, was brutally assassinated at his Dhanmondi residence by group of disgruntled army personnel with the direct and indirect connivance of anti-liberation forces," the President mentioned.

He said the assassins killed the Father of the Nation but could not destroy his principles and ideals in any way. "Let us transform grieve into strength and devote ourselves in building the 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation," he added.

Noting that Bangabandhu was uncompromising in establishing people's fundamental human rights and independence, Mohammed Shahabuddin said Bangabandhu, even on the gallows, upheld the interest of Bangla and Bangalees, ignoring the blood-curdling eyes of the then Pakistani rulers.

"As long as Bangladesh exists, the name and glory of the Father of the Nation will remain ever shining in the mind of millions of Bangalees of our country," the message added.

Recalling Bangabandhu's leadership role in various democratic movements of the country, the President said Bangabandhu led the nation at every democratic and freedom movements including the 'historic Language Movement in 1952, Juktafront Election in 1954, the movement against Martial Law in 1958, the 1962 Education Commission movement, Six-Point Movement in 1966, Mass Upsurge in 1969 and the General Elections in 1970, all of which were directed towards realizing Bangalees emancipation and their rights.

The President, a valiant Freedom Fighter, said Bangabandhu delivered a historic speech on March 7 in 1971 before a mammoth gathering at the then Race Course Maidan proving his unique eloquence and political wisdom and his speech helped to unite the Bangalees, combining their emotions, dreams and aspirations.

In line with this historic speech, the message mentioned that he finally declared the country's independence on March 26, 1971 and subsequently Bangalees achieved victory through a nine-month-long armed War of Liberation under his leadership. Bangabandhu and Bangladesh thus emerged as a unique entity to the people of Bangladesh.

The President said Bangabandhu has made an outstanding contribution in establishing world peace along with equality, friendship and democracy throughout his life.

"The Father of the Nation was a symbol of independence and ambassador of freedom for oppressed and exploited people in the world, saviour of Bangalee nation," he categorically observed., adding that Bangabandhu struggled throughout his life with the aim of achieving political freedom as well as economic emancipation of the people.

He said Bangabandhu's dream was to establish a 'Sonar Bangla (Golden Bangla)' free from hunger and poverty. With this aim, a people-oriented constitution was formulated within one year of Independence. Bangabandhu did not just give us a country; he also formulated a contemporary outline of what the economic, social, political and cultural structure of a newly independent state would look like.

Mentioning that Bangabandhu always had trust and faith in his people, he said he used to give most importance to the united and joint efforts of the people to achieve development and self-reliance.

Now Bangladesh is moving forward, the President said, with the objective of building a self-reliant country on the path shown by Bangabandhu, under the prudent leadership of his efficient daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh has already been uplifted to the list of developing countries from the LDC and the premier announced 'Vision 2041' to transform Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country after presenting us the 'Digital Bangladesh', the President said.

Referring to various development mega projects, including Padma Bridge, Payra Sea Port, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's 3rd Terminal, Karnaphuli Tunnel and the Metrorail, he said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina - the change maker, is confident and working relentlessly to make the country as developed, happy, and prosperous 'Smart Bangladesh'.