Istanbul: ‘Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is a symbol of freedom and justice for the oppressed, discriminated and deprived people across the world.’ This is how, life and works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were commemorated in a discussion organised by the Consulate General of Bangladesh in Istanbul in cooperation with Istanbul Branch Youth Wing of ruling Justice and Development Party on 15 August 2018 at Ali Emiri Efendi Culture Centre in Istanbul on the occasion of the National Mourning Day 2018 and 43rd Martyrdom Anniversary of the Father of the Nation. The event was attended by as many as two hundred members of the Youth Wing of Justice and Development Party as well as members of Bangladesh community living in Istanbul.
Consul General Dr. Mohammad Monirul Islam, in his address, recalled Bangabandhu with the deepest respect for his extraordinary role and contributions in the emergence of sovereign and independent Bangladesh in the world map. He also recollected the unparalleled dedication, commitment and patriotism of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the nation building. Dr. Islam highlighted the impressive growth of Bangladesh in socio-economic sectors and its growing geo-political importance in the contemporary world. Underlying historical, cultural and religious affinity between Bangladesh and Turkey, he pointed out the potentials of these two friendly countries in prospering together, especially in the fields of economy, trade, education, culture and tourism.
Ahmet Coskunaydin, prominent media personality of Turkey and Chief Editor of Gunaydin International, in his remarks as distinguished speaker, articulated that the people of Bangladesh are lucky that they had a leader like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who showed them the dream for freedom and led from the front for the independence of the country in 1971. Stating Bangabandhu as the icon of universal humanity, he further expressed that the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation in the long struggle of freedom will remain immortal in the world history. Paying deep homage to the Father of the Nation, Osman Tomakin, President of Istanbul Branch Youth Wing of Justice and Development Party underscored in his welcome remarks that this particular event would help them to know the true history of Bangladesh and deepen the level of understanding between the people of two friendly nations.
The programmes of the day began with the hoisting of the National Flag half-mast at the morning and laying floral wreath at the portrait of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the premises of the Consulate. The Consulate General organised a discussion session on the life and contributions of the Father of the Nation followed by prayer for the salvation of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation and the members of his family who took martyrdom on the Day as well as for the peace, progress and prosperity for the country and the people of Bangladesh. The messages from the Hon. President, Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Foreign Minister and Hon. State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out by the Mission’s officials.