Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday termed Bangabandhu one of the greatest personalities of the last century and said he was “a champion of justice, equality and dignity”.
“His entire life is a tremendous inspiration for all of us Bangabandhu means-a leader of courage; a man of conviction; a sage of peace; a champion of justice; equality and dignity; a hand of defiance against brutality, and, a shield against coercion,” he said in a video message at the inauguration of the yearlong Mujib Borsho broadcast live in all televisions.
“These qualities of him (Bangabandhu) gave a new energy to lakhs of youth in those times, to face all the challenges for liberation of Bangladesh,” Modi said, adding that: “Life of Bangabandhu gives a great message to the world of 21st Century.”
He was supposed to come Dhaka for the inauguration of this coveted event. But the government scaled down the event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The mass gatherings outside was cancelled. Instead, two-hour indoor event, which was kicked off through the fireworks at Suhrawardy Udyan, was rearranged.
Modi at the beginning of his speech greeted all from the 130 crore Indian ‘brothers and sisters’ to entire Bangladesh, on the auspicious occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“Sheikh HasinaJi had personally invited me to be part of this historic occasion. However, it could not be possible due to Coronavirus,” Modi said.
“Later, Sheikh HasinaJi herself suggested an option and I am connecting with you through a video link.”
“Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was one of the greatest personalities of the last century.
“Today, it gives me great happiness, when I see people of Bangladesh dedicating themselves day and night towards making their dear nation, `Shonar Bangla’, as was dreamt by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” he said.
“We all are well aware, how a repressive and cruel regime, disregarding all democratic values, unleashed a reign of injustice on `Bangla Bhumi’ and devastated its people.
“He had devoted every moment of his life towards bringing Bangladesh out of the phase of devastation and genocide and making it into a positive and progressive society.
“He was absolutely clear that hatred and negativity can never be the foundation of any country’s development.
“However, his these very ideas and efforts were not liked by certain people and they snatched him from us,” Modi said.
“Bangladesh and all of us were fortunate that PM Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana had blessings of God. Otherwise, supporters of violence and hatred left no stone unturned.”
He said: “We are all witnessing that how, making terror and violence weapons of politics and diplomacy destroys a society and a nation.
“The world is also watching where the supporters of terror and violence currently placed and in what state they are while Bangladesh is reaching new heights.
“Bangladesh is moving ahead, inspired by Bangabandhu and under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina and with Inclusive and Development Oriented Policies, this is really commendable.
“Be it economy, other social indices or sports, today Bangladesh is setting new benchmarks.
“Bangladesh has made unprecedented progress in many fields like skill, education, health, women empowerment, micro finance,”.
Modi said he is also happy to mention that in last 5-6 years, India and Bangladesh have scripted a golden chapter of bilateral ties and given new dimension and direction to our partnership.
“This is because of increasing trust between the two countries that we have been able to amicably resolve complex issues like Land Boundary, Maritime Boundary.
“Today, Bangladesh is not only India’s biggest trading partner in South Asia but also development partner. Electricity generated in India is lighting up lakhs of houses and factories in Bangladesh.
“A new dimension has been added to our relations through Friendship Pipeline. Be it road, rail, air, waterway or internet, our cooperation in several sectors is connecting people of our two countries even more,” he said.
“Our heritage comes from intellectuals like Tagore, Qazi Nazrul Islam, Ustad Alauddin Khan, Lalon Shah, Jibanananda Das and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
“Legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made our heritage more comprehensive. India has always been attached to his ideals and values.
“Deep rooted relations between India and Bangladesh have been laid on the foundation of this shared heritage.
“This heritage of ours, deep rooted bond, path shown by Bangabandhu are the strong foundation of Partnership, Progress and Prosperity of the two countries in this decade as well.
“Next year will be 50 years of Bangladesh’s liberation and year 2022 will be the 75th anniversary of India’s independence,” the Indian Prime Minister said.
“I am confident that both these milestones will not only take development of India and Bangladesh to a new height, but will also strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries.”
The Nepalese president, Bhutanese Prime Minister, Secretary Generals of the United Nations and the OIC also sent their video messages on the occasion.
