New generation to forward country cherishing Bangabandhu's ideology: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday hoped that the new generation will forward the country cherishing the ideology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as she unveiled the cover of 11 books on life and works of the Father of the Nation.

"I believe the new generation will take the country forward being imbued with the ideology of Bangabandhu," she said. The prime minister virtually joined the cover unveiling ceremony of the books from her official Ganabhaban residence here.

The National Implementation Committee for the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Centenary Celebration organized the function at the International Mother Language Institute in the city.

The new generation could know the real history of Bangabandhu, the struggle for independence and the Liberation War through the 11 books published on Mujib Borsho, she added.

"If the publications continue, the people, particularly the new generation, will know many things about the Liberation War to be patriots and take the country forward being inspired with Bangabandhu's life and works," she added.

The premier also handed "Bangabandhu Scholars" scholarship over to 13 students and "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Quiz" competition award to 100 winners, which were organised marking the Mujib Borsho.

Sheikh Hasina said attempts were made time and again to erase the name of the Father of the Nation from the history of the Liberation War and Language Movement after Bangabandhu's assassination in 1975.

Even, the history of the Liberation War's victory and Language Movement had been changed and it continued for 21 years, she said, adding that for this reason, several generations are deprived of knowing the real history of the Liberation War.

"It is the biggest thing that the new generation will know many things (about the real history of Bangabandhu, the Liberation War and the Language Movement) through the publications," she continued.   

The prime minister said the new generation could know Bangabandhu's life-long dedication to change the fate of the distressed people facing inhuman torture for 24 years through reading these books.

Of the 11 books, Sheikh Hasina herself edited the book written on Bangabandhu titled "Voice of Millions" (Koti Manusher Kanthosar).

On behalf of the prime minister, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury handed over the "Bangabandhu Scholars" scholarship to 13 students and "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Quiz" competition award to 10 out of 100 winners.

The scholarship awardees received a cheque of Tk 3 lakh, crest and a certificate while the quiz winners got a laptop each.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Convener of the International Publication and Translation Sub Committee, Prof Dr Fakhrul Alam, spoke at the function.

Recorded speech of former Finance Minister Dr Abul Maal Abdul Muhith was broadcast at the function.

Chief Coordinator of the National Implementation Committee for Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 100th Birth Anniversary Celebration gave a welcome address. At the outset of the programme, the theme song of the Mujib Borsho was played.

Describing the new generation as the soldiers of the 2041, Sheikh Hasina said that the new generation will turn the country into a developed one from the developing nation, in phases.

She said she had a target to take the country in a dignified position by 2021 and Bangladesh has graduated as a developing nation, adding that now it's the time for the new generation to pull the country towards prosperity. "I want the people of Bangladesh to be advanced in education, knowledge, science and economy and move across the globe as citizens of a prosperous nation," she said.

The prime minister said that the Awami League government has been able to bring massive changes in the country from 2009 to 2022 through reducing poverty, improving literacy, and ensuring food and nutrition security.

About the huge publications on Bangabandhu, Sheikh Hasina said, "I do not know whether there is any leader in the world after whose name so many songs, poetries and articles were written (as like Bangabandhu)."

The prime minister expressed her farm belief that all including the children, teens and youths can know the real history of the Liberation War and the Father of the Nation.

About providing "Bangabandhu Scholars" scholarship, she said likewise Bangabandhu, her government has given topmost priority on education sectors, echoing Bangabandhu's remarks that the expenditure of money in education sector is an investment.

The prime minister said they have given scholarships to the students, so they can prepare themselves to cope with the advanced science and technology. She assured of extending all necessary support to this end from the Prime Minister's Education Assistance Trust Fund to continue awarding "Bangabandhu Scholar" scholarships.

Regarding "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Quiz" competition, she advocated for continuation of such competition so that today's generations can learn more about the great leader of Bangabandhu.

The prime minister thanked all concerned to organise such an arrangement, saying, "Such efforts will awaken youths to grow up with the spirit of patriotism and sense of responsibility to advance the country."