PM offers gratitude to friends of Bangladesh

Foreign friends of Bangladesh sit at the stage after receiving awards in the city Tuesday in recognition of their invaluable contribution during the Liberation War. Photo: SK Enamul HaqUNB, Dhaka

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed her sincere gratitude and respect to all the foreign friends of Bangladesh for their invaluable contributions in the Liberation War of Bangladesh as well as for their unflinching support.

She was addressing a function, marking the conferring of ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honour’ and ‘Friends of Liberation War Honour’ to foreign friends, at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city. Sheikh Hasina said it is the pride of entire nation to recognise the friends of Bangladesh and pay homage to the unsung heroes of Liberation War and hard-earned independence.

A total of 83 individuals and organisations were conferred with ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honour’ and ‘Friends of Liberation War Honour’ at the function, organised jointly by the Cabinet Division, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Zillur Rahman handed over a certificate and a replica of National Mausoleum to each recipient of the awards.

Before the president handed over the awards, Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan read out the citation of each recipient.

Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Capt (retd) AB Tajul Islam also spoke at the function. Liberation War Affairs Secretary Mizanur Rahman gave the vote of thanks.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister also sought good wishes from the foreign friends so that Bangladesh could secure what the people of Bangladesh aspired in 1971 and what Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had envisioned for its people in future – a true `Sonar Bangla’. She said as the country’s people were steadfast in their resolve and determination to gain independence, “we received unflinching support from people outside who found legitimacy in our cause, and therefore, stood by the principles we sought to uphold.” “They rose in protest against the atrocities committed on the people of Bangladesh. They associated with our aspiration, and our demand for equality, human dignity, and economic and social justice,” she added. Hasina further said that they had extended moral, mental, material, political, diplomatic, logistic as well as military support to the country’s just struggle. She said the Bangalees experienced neglect, discrimination and oppression, and they continued to be deprived from their legitimate rights in all spheres – civil, political, economic, social and cultural, all included. She noted that the Bangalees sustained torture, and loss of lives and property. The innocent people were subjected to all kinds of crime against humanity, rape and arson included.

The premier said support came from all levels and directions – students, teachers, intelligentsia, professionals, media persons, and politicians to mention a few. “They extended all available help that included food, shelter, humanitarian relief, medical facilities, and military training. Most importantly, they accorded greater voice to our legitimate cause, facilitated access to global media, generated public opinion and mobilised financial support.” She added: “Their unstinted moral and material support was a constant source of inspiration for our valiant freedom fighters.” Hasina said support came from the neighbourhood, from the region and also from distant countries and different societies. Support came from people and institution, regardless of their socio-economic standing, political divide, origin, religion and creed. She said that by honouring the foreign friends, the country is honouring the millions who “stood beside us and protested” against violations of equality, respect and honour. “Since we stood for a right cause, we were destined to win. But our foreign friends and allies had infused greater confidence in us and played a catalytic role in gaining independence.” The prime minister said this honour would be conferred to others in future. “We believe that today it is yet another occasion when we recognise all those who stood by us, in the most critical time of the history of the Bangalee nation.” She added: “This is a token recognition of our respect for your show of unity with a nation that was fighting for rights, respect and dignity.” The Daily Star.