‘Bangladesh would have achieved higher growth much earlier should Bangabandhu was alive’
Saifuzzaman Chowdhury expressed the hope that Bangladesh and the UK would be celebrating the 50th year of diplomatic relations in 2021, with high-level visits taking place between the two countries
Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury said that Bangladesh would have achieved higher growth much earlier if Bangabandhu were alive. However, his martyrdom could not deter the progress of Bangladesh as his visionary daughter Sheikh Hasina has taken the country to an unprecedented height of development.
The Minister said this while addressing as the chief guest at the commemorating discussion of the 45th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Mourning Day arranged by Bangladesh High Commission in London on Saturday (August 15).
High Commissioner for Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, and non-resident Ambassador to Ireland, Saida Muna Tasneem, chaired the discussion.
The Political Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, HT Imam, and UK Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, and Minister for London Paul Scully were the guests of honour at the program through video conference.
The Land Minister recalled an event of meeting Bangabandhu in his childhood went along with his father. Saifuzzaman Chowdhury expressed the hope that Bangladesh and the UK would be celebrating the 50th year of diplomatic relations in 2021, with high-level visits taking place between the two countries. The Minister of Lands gratefully thanked the United Kingdom for its positive role during our War of Independence in 1971.
HT Imam termed Bangabandhu as an unmatched world leader saying that he made us feel taller. He said Bangabandhu couldn't materialize his vision, but fortunately, his daughter embodies the vision to make Bangladesh "Sonar Bangla".
Paul Scully paid tribute to Bangabandhu and expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in observing the National Mourning Day. Recalling Bangabandhu's close relations with Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, he said Bangabandhu's relation transcended UK party politics and cuts across both labour and conservative parties.
Paying tribute to Bangabandhu, Saida Muna Tasneem, in her opening remarks said, "The 45th anniversary of Bangabandhu's martyrdom bears an especially significance this year as it takes place during the Birth Centenary Year of the Bangabandhu and at the advent of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence in 2021, the two most unique milestones in the history of Bengali Nation."
