Speakers called on the new generation youths to uphold the spirit of Liberation War on 18 December 2011 at LGED Headquarters in Dhaka at a day-long sessions of discussions, prize-giving ceremony of painting and essay competition, cultural programmes and a fair. It was organized by the Local Government Division to mark the 40th anniversary of the Victory Day.
Chaired by Mr. Abu Alam Md. Shahid Khan, Secretary, Local Government Division, the programme was attended by Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhit, MP, Minister for Finance as the chief guest. State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Capt. A.B. Tajul Islam, MP and State Minister for LGRD & Cooperatives Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, MP were special guests on the occasion. Besides, Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department Mr. Md. Nuruzzaman, Dhaka WASA Chairman Dr. Golam Mostafa and LGED Chief Engineer Mr. Md. Wahidur Rahman were also present on the occasion among others.
It might be recalled here that the Local Government Division had arranged a nation-wide painting competition for the children in observance of the 40th anniversary of the Victory Day. Nearly 5000 children vied for the competition in three age-groups. Three competitors from each age-group were declared first, second and third and given prizes.
In his address as the chief guest the Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhit said, during the last 40 years we have achieved many things and we have also failed to achieve many things. He said, we should have more longing for what we could not achieve. The chief guest said, whatever rudimentary development or rural development has been achieved so far in our country, that has been made possible because of substantial role-play by the Ministry of LGRD & Cooperatives. He however pressed for proper vigilance to maintain the improved rural infrastructures. He added, as a refined nation we can reach for any solution through negotiations instead of resorting to rampage and terrorism. Politics is the highest art of compromise, he said.
Speaking on the occasion as a special guest the State Minister for LGRD& Cooperatives Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak said, those of us who fought in the war-fronts in 1971, had chanted `Joy Bangla’ and `Joy Bangabandhu’ slogans. The spirits of Liberation War and memoirs of Bangabandhu could never be effaced from the hearts of the people, he said. Mr. Nanak said, the present generation of youths have not witnessed the Liberation War, but I have seen in their paintings a vivid representation of their deep love, regards and curiosity about Liberation War and the Freedom Fighters. He however added, the war criminals of 1971 would have to be unearthed and brought under trial soon to make our nation sanctified in a bid to march ahead to establish a digital Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.
The other special guest Capt. A.B. Tajul Islam (Retd.), State Minister for Liberation War Affairs said, a major bulk of our present population, who are young in age, did not witness Liberation War. The spirit of Liberation War would have to be siphoned in their blood, he said. The State Minister said, the people of Bangladesh want the war criminals of 1971 to be under trial. When the people have vowed to trial them, it is sure to be done, he added.
The Chief Engineer of LGED Mr. Md. Wahidur Rahman said, when Sheikh Hasina, the worthy daughter of the Father of the Nation Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, took over the responsibility of the present government, she had committed to put the war criminals under trial. He also said, the freedom-fighters of Bangladesh to-day are far more integrated and united. He however urged on to gear up the process of war criminals’ trial. He also said, those who do not want war criminals’ trial, they cease to be the citizens of this country.
In his address as the chairperson Mr. Abu Alam Md. Shahid Khan, Secretary, Local Government Division said, we are yet to fulfil many things, we have hurdles ahead. He said, we have to overcome these hurdles and the new generation youths would have to do that.
The Chief Engineer of Public Heal Engineer, Mr. Md. Nuruzzaman and Chairman, Dhaka WASA Dr. Golam Mostafa also spoke on the occasion.