AZM Sajjad Hossain, Washington DC, — The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington D.C. observed the historic 7th March, commemorating Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's landmark speech in 1971.
The fiery speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all time, on March 7 at a mammoth rally in the then "Race Course Maidan", now Suhrawardy Udyan, inspired the freedom-loving Bangalees to fight and earn the long-cherished independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
The day's program of the Embassy commenced with the formal hoisting of the National Flag by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mr. Muhammad Imran on the Embassy premises in the morning. Officials and employees of the Mission were present on the occasion.
Later, the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation at the Bangabandhu Corner of the Mission in the presence of Embassy officials.
The messages issued on the occasion by Hon’ble President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were read out by Minister (Commerce) Md Salim Reza and Counsellor (Political) Arifa Rahman Ruma.
Later, a video film on the historic 7th March speech of Bangabandhu was screened followed by a discussion highlighting the significance of the day.
Taking part in the discussion, Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the historic 7th March and highlighted different aspects of his epic speech.
Terming the 7th March as the unforgettable day in the history of the Bengali nation, he said the time-winning speech of Bangabandhu awakened and inspired the freedom-loving people to participate in the war of liberation for independence.
He stressed the need for massive publicity of the historic 7th March speech at home and abroad to let the new generation know about the importance of the address and requested all concerned including expatriate Bangladeshis to play a role in this regard.
Ambassador Imran called upon all to work unitedly under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to build a hunger-and-poverty-free happy and prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal), a lifetime dream of Bangabandhu.
First Secretary (Passport and Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton also took part in the discussion and narrated the historic importance, political background of the 7th March speech, its recognition by the UNESCO, poetic value as well as significance before the present and future generations.
The day’s program ended with offering a special prayer seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu as well as Bangladesh's continued peace, progress and prosperity. Counsellor and Head of Chancery Shamima Yeasmin Smrite conducted the program.