Chennai, 18 August 2022:

Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Chennai has observed the 47th Anniversary of Martyrdom of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day with due respect, solemnity and fervor. On this day, the national flag was hoisted at half-mast atop at the Chancery premises. The Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Shelley Salehin laid floral wreathe on the portrait of the Father of the Nation in presence of Mission officials.

The Programme of the day included a discussion session held in the afternoon. The program started with observance of one minute silence to pay homage to the Father of the Nation and his martyred family members. This was followed by reading out of the speeches issued by the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs on the eve of the 47^th Anniversary of Martyrdom of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Later, a video documentary on the work and life of Bangabandhu was screened.

Then, Mr. Salehin in his speech paid deep tribute to the Father of the Nation for his immense contribution and supreme sacrifice for the emancipation of Bengali nation. He termed Bangabandhu as the forerunner of the struggle for establishing the rights of the oppressed of the world. He urged all to work hard for implementing Bangabandhu’s dream of “Sonar Bangla”. Moreover, on the occasion of the National Mourning Day, a special prayer was also conducted at a local mosque for the salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his martyred family members.    

On 18 August, Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Chennai organized a discussion session and an Essay Competition at the Patrician College of Arts and Science. The program started with observing one minute silence. An article on the life and work of Bangabandhu was presented by Dr. Nancy Crocker, a Professor of English Department of the College.  Then, Principal of the College Ms. Usha George gave a speech where she paid rich tribute to the memory of all the martyrs of 15 August. She also elaborated the contribution of Bangabandhu in the independence of Bangladesh and beyond. Later, a video documentary on the work and life of Bangabandhu was screened.

The students who took part in the essay competition on the topic titled “Bangabandhu- the Architect of Independent Bangladesh” and “Bangabandhu and Bangladesh in 21^st Century” shared their experience and feelings about Bangabandhu. This was followed by the speech of the Deputy High Commissioner. Mr. Salehin, in his speech highlighted the indomitable leadership and personal sacrifice of Bangabandhu for the Independence of Bangladesh. He also elaborated Bangladesh’s present success in various socio-economic sectors under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to realize Bangabandhu’s dream of “Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal)”. He termed Bangabandhu as a towering personality who dedicated his life for fulfilment of a nation’s dream – a dignified and prosperous Bangladesh.  

The program ended with distribution of prizes, certificates among the participants of the Essay Competition followed by refreshments.