The Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam observed the 46th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members, the National Mourning Day, with due solemnity on 15 August 2021.
As part of the daylong program, the Bangladesh High Commissioner Mrs. Nahida Rahman Shumona hoisted the Bangladesh Flag and lowered it to half-mast position at the chancery very early in the morning, and subsequently paid homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu. The program continued with observing one-minute silence, recitation from the Holy Quran, and a special prayer for the salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and all his family members who were viciously assassinated on the fateful night of 15 August 1975.
The second part of the program was held virtually with the presence of all officials and staff of the Bangladesh High Commission, members of the diplomatic core, representatives from the Government of Brunei, civil society, and members of the Bangladesh community. This special segment started off with recitation from Holy Quran and Monazat, followed by one-minute silence again to show profound respect to the Father of the Nation and all martyrs. The Bangladesh High Commissioner read out special messages from the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh while special messages from the Hon’ble Foreign Minister and the Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out by the Head of Chancery Mr. Jelal Hossain and Counsellor (Local) Mr. Tanmoy Majumder respectively.
Critic, writer, educationalist, and former Professor of University of Dhaka Syed Manzoorul Islam appeared virtually to discuss and highlight the notable aspects of the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with special focus on the significance of his unwavering political struggle and inimitable leadership skills that eventually led to the Independence of Bangladesh. Professor Manzoorul also interacted with and succinctly answered the questions forwarded by the Iranian Ambassador in Brunei Darussalam Homeria Rigi Zirouki, Dr. Malai Zeiti, Assistant Professor, University Technology Brunei (UTB), Haji Nasir DP Latif, CEO of Brunei Food Awards, Dr. Er. Rama Rao Karri, Faculty of Engineering, UTB whose father Mr. Karri Sri Ramulu on behalf of the Indian Army fought in the Liberation War of 1971 in Bangladesh’s favor, and got severely injured with two bullets.
The Iranian Ambassador Homeria Rigi Zirouki said, “I’d like to remind the group of a point from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s life, and that is Mainstreaming, and this is the most important thing a leader can do for his people and future. He did it very well”.
Hailing the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the greatest Bengali of all times, the Bangladesh High Commissioner proudly told that Bangabandhu was the principal architect of the nation who devoted his entire life to the process of nation-building and to the cause of the emancipation of the people of Bangladesh. As Bangabandhu sacrificed his entire life and happiness on the altar of the independence of Bangladesh and the well-being of its people, the Bangladesh High Commissioner aptly called upon all to be equally responsive to the vision of Bangabandhu to build ‘Sonar Bangla’. She invited all to actively support and look up to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the worthy daughter of Bangabandhu who is leading from the front in order to materialize the dream of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation.