The Embassy of Bangladesh, The Hague organized a discussion meeting to discuss the significance of the historic 7th March speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Apart from the Embassy officials, about 20 expatriate Bangladesh nationals attended the discussion meeting. The Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Leaders of Holland Awami-League participated in the discussion on the background of the historic speech of 7 March 1971 and its significance in the glorious liberation war.
At the outset, Embassy officials read out the message of the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh issued on the occasion. Then the historic speech was played before the audience which was followed by discussion session on significance of the historic speech of 7th March. Holland Awami League leaders in their speeches highlighted the distinguishing leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, outstanding self-sacrifice he made, his prudent vision, courage, progressive attitude, patriotism, humane quality, etc. They discussed the background of the historic speech of 7 March 1971 and how it ultimately contributed to the liberation war of Bangladesh. They also thanked the Embassy for its efforts in installing the first ever International Language Monument (Shaheed Minar) in The Hague.
H.E. Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands, Sheikh Mohammed Belal described the historic speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 7 March 1971 as the Magna Carta of freedom of the Bangali nation. He mentioned that the speech presented by Bangabandhu 48 years ago did not only lead the Bengali people during the liberation war, but this speech has emerged as a unique documentary heritage of the world. He also expressed his offerings to the Almighty on early recovery of Mr. Obaidul Quader MP, honorable Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division.
The UNESCO’s recognition of the historic 7 March 1971 speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as part of the world’s documentary heritage has brought a rare honour for all of us. This historic speech served as a proven force for all during the liberation war. Therefore, this speech has immense contribution in our glorious liberation war. Ambassador Belal urged all to start planning as to how best we could celebrate Bangabandhu’s birth centenary in 2020 and proposed to establish a Bangabandhu Chair in a leading Dutch University for conducting research on Bangabandhu and Bangladesh.
Finally, expatriate Bangladesh community thanked the Embassy for organizing the discussion meeting on historic speech of 7 March 1971 and the initiative to translate the speech in Dutch language. The program ended with serving traditional Bangladeshi snacks.