Diplomats share views on Bangabandhu's leadership, values

A group of diplomats stationed in Dhaka today highlighted the values set by Bangabandhu and the importance of following his ideology of social rights for all.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen called on the friendly nations to work with Bangladesh to achieve Bangabandhu's dream of "Sonar Bangla."

British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert Chatterton Dickson said the United Kingdom was the first nation Bangabandhu visited following his release from captivity where he was greeted by then British Prime Minister, Edward Heath.

He said this laid the foundation for the successful relationship between the two nations.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming held up the two visits by Bangabandhu -- many years before that name was bestowed on him -- to China in 1952 and 1957; and reminisced the warm welcome Bangabandhu received from the Chinese people.

He asserted that the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu set the values of current Bangladesh and stated Bangabandhu's legacy is being carried forward by his daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Fahrenholtz talked about the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu and the moral values of the Father of the Nation.

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh D.P.S.N. Dayasekara said Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to establish relationship with Bangladesh.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo said the values of Bangabandhu -- of freedom for all, ideals of leaving no one behind and equality amongst all -- match the foundations of sustainable development, which are critical values of the UN as well.

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard shared that Switzerland has been a robust ally to Bangladesh and was delighted to hear that it was Bangabandhu's vision that Bangladesh be the "Switzerland of the East".

Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen highlighted Bangabandhu's sacrifices, incarceration, his dream, and vision of an independent nation and the undying love for the Bengali people.

Dr Momen said the foundation of Bangladesh's foreign policy is built around the notion developed by Bangabandhu of "friendship to all, and malice to none."

Ambassadors, High Commissioners and representatives of over 40 countries joined the discussion hosted by AL International Affairs Sub Committee and moderated by Special Assistant to Prime Minister Barrister Shah Ali Farhad.

A booklet titled "The Darkest Night and Its Aftermath" was virtually unveiled during the discussion and hard copies will also be shared with all foreign missions in Dhaka.

Marking August 21, the sub-committee launched a short video portraying the atrocities "inflicted by the then BNP-led regime" with the grisly grenade attack at a rally led by Sheikh Hasina and shedding light on how the then state organs swooped on to provide shelter to the perpetrators.